Chicago Cubs Target Mason Miller’s New Price Tag Is Unveiled
Although the Cubs are among the best clubs vying for Mason Miller, how much would they have to give up in a deal to get him?
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April 30, 2024: At Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, in Oakland, California, USA, Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller (19) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning. Required Reference: Neville E. Guard, USA TODAY Sports
April 30, 2024: At Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California, USA: Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller (19) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning. Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports / Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports is required,
Chicago Cubs in this tale
Although the Chicago Cubs are one of the strongest teams vying for Mason Miller, how much would the Oakland Athletics have to give up to win him?
In his most recent piece for The Athletic, Jim Bowden alluded to a possible Chicago price tag, and it’s high.
There is a solid explanation for why the trade discussions involving the pitcher have become so intense.
It hasn’t taken Miller long to establish himself as the most recognizable name in baseball’s bullpen. With his incredible season, the favorite for rookie of the year is projected to be a highly sought-after player come deadline day.
Despite coming off of his worst performance of the season, he has accomplished enough that it probably won’t have an impact on his trade position. He gave up three earned runs on three hits in 1.2 innings of work on Thursday. Since the end of March, when he made his season debut, those were the first earned runs he has given up. In addition to working 19 innings without giving up a run, he only gave up four hits throughout that time.
Leading the league in xERA, xwOBA, SLG, xSLG, and xBA coming into Thursday is the 25-year-old. Observing him play makes it simple to understand why he’s been almost unhittable.
His fastball, which clocks in at 100.9 mph, gives him the hallmark velocity. Though it ranks in the top 20 in MLB for movement, he also possesses a devastating slider.
People may be reluctant to part up a lot of assets for Miller because of his velocity, which seems to be a recipe for arm problems. This is Miller’s biggest disadvantage. Earlier in his career, he suffered an elbow injury that put him on the 60-day injured list.
Although Bowden suggested that trading for Miller might not be the best course of action if it means giving up Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara, it might be enough to obtain Miller.
As the 38th-best baseball prospect overall, Caissie is anticipated to enter the major leagues the following year. This season, in AAA ball, the 21-year-old is slashing.289/.419/.430.
Despite not being as fortunate in AA, Alcanatara, the other 21-year-old, is nonetheless quite talented.
The Cubs might be better off searching for a better deal on the MLB trade deadline than chasing the greatest player available. Although winning this season wouldn’t benefit from it, their outfield’s future would be protected.
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