Padres Strengthen MLB-Best Bullpen with Blockbuster Trade, Boost World Series Odds

The San Diego Padres, under GM A.J. Preller, have once again made significant moves at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, acquiring All-Star closer Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for top prospect Leo De Vries and three other prospects. Miller, known for his fastball reaching 101 mph and a solid 3.76 ERA this season, joins an already strong Padres bullpen that includes Robert Suarez and Jason Adam, enhancing their chances of securing a wild-card playoff berth. Preller's aggressive trade strategy has also brought in other key players such as left-handers JP Sears and Nestor Cortes, first baseman Ryan O'Hearn, and outfielder Ramón Laureano, improving several positions across the team. The Padres are also reportedly interested in Tampa Bay Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks, a highly effective pitcher with a 2.84 ERA and elite pitch metrics, though competition for him includes division rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite some depth in the bullpen allowing potential trades, Preller’s adept handling of the team’s pitching resources has positioned the Padres well as buyers at the deadline, aiming to push beyond previous postseason performances. With these moves, the Padres appear poised to make a stronger playoff run in 2025, addressing past shortcomings and bolstering their roster for a deeper October campaign.