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Mason Miller Dominates as MLB’s Promising Relief Pitcher

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Quinn Allen
October 2, 2025 4:21 PM
3 min read
Mason Miller Dominates as MLB’s Promising Relief Pitcher
Mason Miller, a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher born August 24, 1998, in Pittsburgh, PA, has rapidly established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s most electric relief pitchers. After being drafted in the third round by the Oakland Athletics in 2021 from Gardner-Webb University, Miller made his MLB debut as a starter in 2023 before transitioning to a closer role in 2024. His transition was a resounding success, as he set an Athletics rookie record with 28 saves, surpassing Andrew Bailey’s mark from 2009. Miller’s 2.49 ERA over 55 relief appearances, along with 104 strikeouts in 65 innings, placed him among the league’s elite. He converted 28 of 31 save opportunities (90.3%), the sixth-best rate in the majors, and led all major league rookies in saves.

Miller’s fastball is among the fastest in MLB history. Nearly half of his 1,024 pitches in 2024 registered 100 mph or more, trailing only Jordan Hicks and Aroldis Chapman in single-season triple-digit pitch totals since tracking began. His fastest pitch clocked at 103.8 mph. Miller’s strikeout rate (14.40 K/9) led all MLB pitchers with at least 40 innings. First batters faced against Miller hit just .059 with a .127 on-base percentage, both the lowest in Oakland history.

His dominance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team and recognition as The Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year. He was named second-team All-MLB, placed fourth in BBWAA AL Rookie of the Year voting, and was selected for the Baseball America and Baseball Digest All-Rookie teams.

In July 2025, Miller and JP Sears were traded from Oakland to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Henry Baez, Leo De Vries, Braden Nett, and Eduarniel Núñez. Now wearing #22 for the Padres, Miller continues to be a key presence in the bullpen. Over his career, Miller has accumulated 246 strikeouts and maintained a sub-3.00 ERA, though he has yet to win a World Series. His advanced metrics and velocity make him a foundational piece for San Diego’s bullpen as they pursue contention in the National League West.

For more on Miller’s stats and career, visit his MLB.com profile or follow him on Instagram.

Author
ДЛ
Quinn Allen
Sport journalist