Athletics have an ironic trade deadline need thanks to a Mason Miller problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Athletics are, unexpectedly, a playoff contender in 2026. While there's still plenty of games left between now and the playoffs, they're 22-21, sitting atop the AL West.
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While the A's lineup has been incredible once again, with Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers looking like All-Stars so far, there is still room for improvement.
One of the top areas of need for this team is their bullpen's closer role. Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller identified a closer as their top need for the 2026 trade deadline.
"Tough to say at this point if anything close to a reliable closer will be available at the deadline, but the A's need one if they expect to remain atop this division," Miller writes.
This top need for the Athletics is a bit ironic, considering that at the 2025 trade deadline, they traded the best closer in baseball, Mason Miller, to the San Diego Padres. Now, one year later, the A's are set to explore closer additions of their own.
A's have an ironic trade deadline need thanks to a Mason Miller problem
There is not a set closer for the Athletics right now, with Jack Perkins, Joel Kuhnle, Mark Leiter, and Hogan Harris getting opportunities to close games this season.
It's clear that if the Athletics are to actually compete for the AL West title as they have done so through the middle of May, they will need to acquire help for their closer spot.
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Mason Miller was an incredible closer, and he would be incredible for this team. But the return of Leo De Vries and more was well worth the 2025 trade deadline blockbuster.
Now, one year later, the A's need to finally resolve the problem Miller left behind after his trade to the Padres. There might not be a ton of great closers available this year, but there might be a reliever worth tying out in a full-time closer role.
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