The New York Yankees are widely expected to make significant moves before the MLB trade deadline, which should not come as much of a surprise.
The Yankees are typically always active in midsummer trades, and with them having so many holes this time around, they will likely be ubiquitous in trade talks between now and Aug. 3.
One of the top names that has been floated as a potential trade target for New York is San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller, who has been thoroughly dominant throughout all of 2026.
However, there have been conflicting reports on Miller’s availability.
On Thursday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported that Miller would likely stay put past the deadline, citing his years of club control.
But now, ESPN’s Buster Olney is reporting that multiple executives expect Miller to be dealt over the next week-and-a-half. He also mentioned the Yankees as a potential landing spot.
“I’ve had two executives with other teams tell me that they believe Mason Miller is gonna be traded,” Olney said on ESPN’s Get Up. “Look, the Mariners have the firepower to make a deal, but it may be that Miller’s too expensive. I say watch the New York Yankees, with young starting pitcher Will Warren. Could be the anchor of a deal. Maybe the Philadelphia Phillies.”
Miller has logged a 0.86 ERA, 0.51 FIP and a 0.864 WHIP thus far in 2026. Those are video-game like numbers, and on top of that, he is averaging 16.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
The Yankees could definitely use some help at the back end of their bullpen, although David Bednar has been terrific over the last couple of months after a rough start.
If New York acquired Miller, he would surely move into the closer role and Bednar would be transitioned into a setup role. But the cost to acquire Miller would be extravagant.
It would surely cost more than just Warren, a name Olney suggested. The Yankees would definitely have to part with multiple top prospects, a cost they may not be willing to pay.
We’ll see if New York makes a move for the 27-year-old Miller in the coming days.
