The San Diego Padres acquired hard-throwing closer Mason Miller and left-hander JP Sears in a deal with the Athletics on Thursday, adding major upgrades to their pitching staff in a trade deadline blockbuster.
The Padres sent the A’s a package of prospects, including highly-regarded shortstop Leo De Vries and right-handed pitchers Henry Baez, Braden Nett and Eduarniel Nunez.
The 26-year-old Miller – who has a fastball that averages 101mph – has 20 saves in 23 opportunities, a 3.76 ERA and 59 strikeouts this season. He was an All-Star in 2024 and is under team control through the 2029 season.
The 29-year-old Sears has a 7-9 record and 4.95 ERA this season, striking out 95 batters over 22 starts.
The Padres entered Thursday with a 60-49 record and currently hold the last National League wildcard spot.
Bieber heading to Blue Jays in deal with Guardians
Pitcher Shane Bieber is headed to the Toronto Blue Jays in a deal with the Cleveland Guardians.
Bieber, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery in April 2024, has made five rehab starts. His most recent outing was Tuesday for Double-A Akron, in which he allowed one run on three hits and struck out seven in four innings. His next rehab start was scheduled for Sunday.
The Guardians are getting right-hander Khal Stephen from the Blue Jays.
Bieber had spent his entire career in Cleveland, including winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2020. He has a career record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA and 958 strikeouts in 136 games, with 134 starts since his debut in 2018.
He agreed to a one-year, $14m contract last fall with a $16 million player option for 2026.
The 22-year old Stephen has a combined record of 9-1 with a 2.06 ERA in 18 games, with 17 starts, in the Blue Jays’ farm system this season. He was a second-round selection (59th overall) by Toronto in the 2024 amateur draft. He made one start for Double-A New Hampshire following his promotion on 20 July before being placed on the injured list with right shoulder impingement.
The Guardians also dealt reliever Paul Sewald to the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named later.
