Elephant Rumblings: Don’t fear The Reaper..getting traded

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the A’s have yet to make a noteworthy move. There’s been a lot of speculation about a potential Luis Severino trade, and several other A’s have been discussed as possible targets for contending teams for whom the A’s might entertain offers. AN’s own Nico has a terrific rundown on potential trades and what the A’s might get in return for them.

Two young players that would definitely make a splash and yield a significant return if traded are left fielder Tyler Soderstrom and closer Mason Miller. Sodie’s big bat would certainly be of value elsewhere, and the former first baseman doesn’t fit into the A’s depth chart defensively as well as some of his peers. Miller has struggled with control a bit this season, but still has the kind of stuff that gives his team a big edge when holding a lead late in the game.

The Reaper’s elite stuff is undoubtedly coveted by teams like the Dodgers, who are looking to shore up their bullpen depth with high-end upgrades. The Blogfather recognizes that such a valuable piece might be tempting for a rebuilding team like the A’s to deal, while leaning towards the supposition that the A’s probably prefer the bird in hand in Miller’s case.

Yesterday, Nico’s hunch that Miller will more likely stay put was reinforced by Bob Nightengale at USA Today, who says the scuttlebutt is that the A’s aren’t listening to offers on Miller, who is under team control through 2029. The A’s rebuild effort may not be moving at light speed this year, but there is enough apparent momentum—and emerging talent—to indicate that the team might need a closer like Miller in the postseason before too long.

Mason’s had a couple tough appearances this year, but his stuff is still electric and I’d be happy to see him remain in green and gold after the deadline passes. Bob Nightengale’s sources can’t be infallible, but I’ll take his report as a positive indicator the The Reaper won’t likely be on the move soon.

Have a fantastic week, AN.

A’s Coverage

• Athletics Drop Series Finale to Guardians 8-2
• Upcoming Trade Deadline For A’s — Quiet Or Splashy?
• A’s Rebuffing Trade Interest In Mason Miller
• Clarke’s injury could leave gaping hole in center of A’s defense
• Latest Athletics injuries and transactions

MLB News & Interest:

• Phillies To Sign David Robertson
• Notable Draft Signings: July 18-19th, 2025
• Each team’s prospect to watch in the second half
• Red Sox Sign First-Rounder Kyson Witherspoon
• D-backs Agree To Terms With Top Picks Kayson Cunningham, Patrick Forbes
• Dodgers Pursuing High-End Bullpen Upgrades
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.