MLB trade deadline tracker: Padres add Mason Miller, Jays trade for Shane Bieber in final hours
The San Diego Padres made a big splash before the MLB trade deadline, acquiring hard-throwing closer Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics. Miller, a 26-year-old All-Star with a fastball that averages more than 101 mph, has 20 saves this season and is under team control through 2029. In addition to Miller, the Padres also added left-handed pitcher JP Sears, who has a 7-9 record and a 4.95 ERA this season.
In exchange for Miller and Sears, the Padres sent a package of prospects to the A’s, including highly-regarded shortstop Leo De Vries and promising right-handed pitchers Henry Baez, Braden Nett, and Eduarniel Nunez. This trade bolsters the Padres’ bullpen and adds depth to their pitching staff as they push for a playoff spot.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays made a major move by acquiring former Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians. Bieber, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, has a career record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA and 958 strikeouts in 136 games. The Blue Jays also acquired right-hander Khal Stephen from the Guardians in the deal.
In other trade deadline news, the Detroit Tigers acquired reliever Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league pitchers Josh Randall and R.J. Sales. Finnegan, a 33-year-old All-Star in 2024, has 20 saves this season with a 4.38 ERA. The Tigers hope he can bolster their bullpen as they make a push for the postseason.
The Chicago Cubs also made moves to strengthen their pitching staff, adding right-hander Andrew Kittredge from the Baltimore Orioles. Kittredge, a 35-year-old All-Star in 2021, has a 3.44 ERA over nine seasons and signed a one-year deal with the Orioles last offseason. The Cubs are looking to Kittredge to provide stability and experience to their bullpen down the stretch.
Overall, the MLB trade deadline saw several significant moves that could impact the playoff race in both the American and National Leagues. With big names like Miller, Bieber, and Finnegan changing teams, it will be interesting to see how these acquisitions affect their new clubs as they make a push for October baseball.
