Photo: Raymond Carlin III/USA TODAY Sports

Cubs Should Come Calling for Oakland Closer Mason Miller

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated 4/22/24

Even though we're not even a month into the 2024 MLB season, it's never too early to have eyes on the July 30 trade deadline. With the Chicago Cubs' closer role currently in flux, one particular outside reinforcement could help solidify the back of the bullpen.

Oakland Athletics' closer Mason Miller has had an incredible start to his season. The 25-year-old has been one of the few bright spots on an otherwise terrible team. His latest appearance against the New York Yankees on Monday was impressive, to say the least.

Mason Miller throws GAS.

He sat down Anthony Volpe, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge on fastballs at 103, 103 and 102 to end the game. pic.twitter.com/NCjxhVxfa3
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) April 22, 2024

With ample young talent in their farm system, the Cubs have the capital to make a deal happen if they see fit. Miller appears to be a special talent, someone who could be a difference-maker for a contending team.

Contract-wise, Miller would fit into the Cubs' wheelhouse of low-cost, controllable talent. His 2024 salary of $740,000 is nothing for a big-market team like the Cubs. However, he still has two years of pre-arbitration control remaining, which would result in a high asking price on Oakland's end.

In eight appearances this season, Miller sports a 1.80 ERA with five saves. If the Cubs' closer role yielded those results, just imagine how much better off this team would be.

On a personal level, the talented closer would be a good story to root for on a team with already likable players.

Oakland A's closer Mason Miller went from a D3 pitcher with a 7 ERA to the hardest-throwing pitcher in the majors.

That transformation started with a failed drug screen and a diabetes diagnosis. https://t.co/LwCZQkzyup pic.twitter.com/0aHqMtKQ1U
— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) April 19, 2024

The current crop of Cubs relievers would be able to hold down the role in the meantime with Adbert Alzolay's struggles. Mark Leiter Jr. has been solid and Hector Neris has the experience as he turns his season around.

Good teams can never have enough pitching. Having Leiter Jr. and Neris stay in setup roles while adding a budding star closer would make the Cubs dangerous in the NL Central.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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