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Mason Miller, the Chicago Cubs’ target, has a new price tag revealed.
One of the best clubs vying for Mason Miller is the Chicago Cubs; however, how much would they have to give up to acquire him?
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Apr. 30, 2024, Oakland, California, USA: In the ninth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller (19) pitches the Pittsburgh Pirates. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Neville E. Guard
Apr. 30, 2024, Oakland, California, USA: In the ninth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller (19) pitches the Pittsburgh Pirates. Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports / Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports require mandatory credit.
In the narrative: Chicago Cubs

In the Mason Miller sweepstakes, the Chicago Cubs are a strong favorite, but how far would they have to go to the Oakland Athletics to win him?

In his most recent piece, Jim Bowden of The Athletic alluded to a possible price tag from Chicago, and it’s high.

There’s a solid reason why the trade talks involving the pitcher have become so intense.

In a relatively short period of time, Miller has established himself as the most well-known bullpen name in baseball. With his incredible season, the front-runner for rookie of the year should be a hot commodity on deadline day.

Although he just had his worst game of the season, he has performed well enough that it probably won’t have an impact on his chances of getting traded. On Thursday, he gave up three earned runs on three hits in 1.2 innings of work. Since making his season debut at the end of March, those were the first earned runs he has given up. He worked 19 innings without giving up a run, and during that time, he only gave up four hits.

As of Thursday, the 25-year-old led the league in SLG, xSLG, xBA, xERA, and xwOBA. It’s easy to understand why after watching him play—he’s been practically unhittable.

With his fastball, he has a trademark velocity of 100.9 mph. However, he also possesses a devastating slider that ranks in the top 20 in MLB for movement.

The main disadvantage for Miller would be that, given his velocity, some could be hesitant to give up a lot of assets for a player who appears certain to have arm problems. Throughout his career, he has already spent 60 days on the injured elbow list.

While Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara might be sufficient to get Miller, Bowden suggested that trading for him might not be the best course of action if it means giving up those players.

Caissie, ranked as baseball’s 38th best prospect, is anticipated to enter the major leagues the following year. In AAA ball this season, the 21-year-old is slashing.289/.419/.430.

Alcanatara, the other 21-year-old, is not as fortunate in AA, but he still has a lot of potential.

Instead of pursuing the best player available, it might make more sense for the Cubs to search the MLB trade block for a better deal. Although it wouldn’t be the best course of action to win this season, it would protect their outfield’s future.