Dodgers Must Give Up Major Talent to Acquire A’s Star Mason Miller in Blockbuster Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers are always looking for ways to strengthen their roster, and one name that keeps popping up in trade rumors is Oakland Athletics’ flame-throwing closer Mason Miller. The 25-year-old right-hander has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball this season, lighting up radar guns with a fastball that regularly touches 103 mph and baffling hitters with a nasty slider. His breakout performance has made him one of the most coveted arms in the league, and if the Dodgers want to land him, they’ll have to pay a steep price.

Miller’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. After dealing with injuries early in his career, he has emerged as a true force in the A’s bullpen, striking out batters at an absurd rate and locking down games with ease. His combination of elite velocity, movement, and command makes him a nightmare for opposing hitters, and he’s exactly the kind of weapon a contending team like the Dodgers would love to have for a playoff push. But Oakland knows what they have in Miller—a young, controllable star with the potential to be one of the best closers in the game for years to come—and they won’t let him go cheaply.

So, what would it take for the Dodgers to pry Miller away from the A’s? Trade talks would likely start with at least one of Los Angeles’ top prospects, possibly even multiple high-end young players. The A’s are in the middle of a long-term rebuild, meaning they’re more interested in acquiring future talent rather than established major leaguers. The Dodgers have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, which gives them the ammunition to make a deal happen, but they’d have to part with some serious talent.

Names like catcher Dalton Rushing, outfielder Josue De Paula, or pitcher River Ryan could be at the center of discussions. Rushing, in particular, is an intriguing piece—a power-hitting catcher who has drawn comparisons to Will Smith. De Paula is a toolsy outfielder with huge upside, while Ryan is a hard-throwing righty who could slot into a big-league rotation soon. The A’s would likely demand at least one of these players, plus another mid-tier prospect or two, to even consider moving Miller.

The Dodgers have shown in the past that they’re willing to deal top prospects for immediate help—just look at the trades for Manny Machado, Max Scherzer, and Trea Turner in recent years. But Miller isn’t just a rental; he’s under team control for several more seasons, which drives his price up even higher. Oakland has no reason to rush into a deal unless they’re blown away by an offer, meaning the Dodgers would have to overpay to get their man.

Of course, the big question is whether Los Angeles would be willing to part with that much young talent for a reliever, no matter how dominant. Bullpen arms are volatile, and even the best closers can see their performance fluctuate from year to year. But Miller isn’t just any reliever—he has the stuff to be a game-changer in October, and the Dodgers know better than anyone how important a shutdown bullpen is in the playoffs. Adding Miller to a late-inning mix that already includes Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen could give them the most fearsome relief corps in baseball.

There’s also the financial angle to consider. The Dodgers have the resources to take on big contracts, but Miller is still making close to the league minimum, making him even more valuable. With so much money tied up in stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, having an elite closer on a cheap deal would be a huge advantage. That’s another reason why Oakland can ask for so much in return—teams aren’t just paying for Miller’s arm, they’re paying for years of affordable dominance.

If the Dodgers do pull the trigger on a trade, it would send shockwaves through the league. Miller would instantly become a fan favorite in Los Angeles, and his arrival could shift the balance of power in the National League. But it all comes down to whether the front office is willing to meet Oakland’s asking price. The A’s have all the leverage here, and if the Dodgers balk at giving up their best prospects, another team—maybe the Yankees, Phillies, or Orioles—could swoop in and steal Miller away.

For now, it’s all speculation. Trade rumors heat up and cool down all the time, and a lot can change between now and the deadline. But one thing is certain: if the Dodgers want Mason Miller, they’ll have to dig deep into their farm system and give up some serious future talent. Is he worth it? That’s the million-dollar question. If he continues pitching the way he has, the answer might just be yes.