Story perspectives

Yankees Pursue Mason Miller Trade, 40% Likelihood

7/24/2026

Summary

Yankees Pursue Miller

Yankees are pursuing a trade for Padres All-Star closer Mason Miller before the Aug. 3, 2026 deadline.
Miller has a 0.86 ERA, 25 saves, 78 strikeouts and 21 hits in 41.2 innings.
Padres president A.J. Preller says the team will listen but is skeptical and needs a “blown-away” offer.
ESPN insiders Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan estimate roughly a 40 percent chance Miller will be traded.

Summary

Miller-Bogaerts Surplus

The Miller-Bogaerts package creates an underwater surplus of $25.6 million, which could balance a trade.
Miller will earn $4 million in 2026 with raises due 2027-2029, while Bogaerts is owed about $24.5 million each year through 2033.
Shifting Bogaerts would free nearly $25.5 million annually and $175 million from 2027-2033, instantly reopening the Padres’ payroll.
Pirates owner Bob Nutting is unlikely to assume any of Bogaerts’ salary, especially during the lockout that tightens budgets.

History

Historical Context

On August 12 1994 the MLB players walked out, prompting commissioner Bud Selig to cancel the season and cost owners about $580 million in revenue. The strike forced teams to slash payrolls and favor low-cost trades—and the 1994-95 labor dispute reshaped league economics. The New York Yankees and San Diego Padres still echo that pattern in today’s salary-sensitive negotiations.

1 of 3

Yankees Pursue Miller

Yankees are pursuing a trade for Padres All-Star closer Mason Miller before the Aug. 3, 2026 deadline.
Miller has a 0.86 ERA, 25 saves, 78 strikeouts and 21 hits in 41.2 innings.
Padres president A.J. Preller says the team will listen but is skeptical and needs a “blown-away” offer.
ESPN insiders Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan estimate roughly a 40 percent chance Miller will be traded.

1 / 3