Could Athletics consider trading their star pitcher?

Apr 19, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mason Miller (57) warms up before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics may be at least open to trading their star rookie just over a year after he made his MLB debut.

The Athletics are not ruling out a trade of closer Mason Miller, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. However, the A’s are setting a huge asking price, and teams would likely have to part with top prospects in order to acquire him.

Miller is quickly emerging as one of the game’s best relievers. He has 33 strikeouts in 16.1 innings and has the highest average fastball velocity of any pitcher in baseball. Perhaps more importantly, he is under team control through the 2029 season, making him even more valuable as a potential trade chip.

While Miller might not mind playing in a bigger market, it does not make a lot of sense for the A’s to move him unless they get a massive offer. That does not seem likely, but they are at least keeping the door open.