In his first season as a closer, Miller set an Athletics rookie record with 28 saves, surpassing the previous mark held since 2009. He posted a 2.49 ERA over 55 relief appearances, striking out 104 batters in 65 innings—second among all MLB relievers that season. Miller converted 28 of his 31 save opportunities, ranking sixth in the majors in save percentage.
Miller’s fastball is among the hardest in baseball, averaging 101.1 mph and peaking at 104.1 mph. Nearly half of his pitches in 2024 registered 100 mph or higher, a feat matched only by a select few in MLB history, including Jordan Hicks and Aroldis Chapman. His wipeout slider has kept hitters to a .111 slugging percentage this season.
Miller’s dominance earned him a selection to the American League All-Star team and multiple rookie honors, including The Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year and a spot on the Baseball America All-Rookie Team. He finished fourth in BBWAA AL Rookie of the Year voting.
On July 2025, the San Diego Padres acquired Miller in a high-profile trade, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Padres, already boasting a strong bullpen with All-Star relievers, added Miller’s elite velocity and strikeout ability to their late-inning arsenal. His role in San Diego is yet to be defined, but he arrives as one of the most feared relievers in the game.
Miller’s rapid rise and record-breaking rookie campaign mark him as a key figure to watch in the coming seasons, especially as the Athletics navigate a franchise transition and the Padres bolster their postseason ambitions.
For more on Mason Miller’s stats and career, visit his ESPN profile or follow updates on his official Instagram.