A's Closer Mason Miller Landing Spots amid MLB Trade Rumors, Red-Hot Start to 2024 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

10. Kansas City Royals

Record: 26-18, 2nd in AL Central

Current Closer: James McArthur

McArthur is complicit in the Royals' bullpen having the second-lowest strikeout rate in MLB. But while it's hard to imagine a better fix for that problem than Miller, Kansas City doesn't have a ton to barter with in its 28th-ranked farm system.

9. Texas Rangers

Record: 22-22, 2nd in AL West

Current Closer: Kirby Yates

With José Leclerc having a rough season and Josh Sborz on the injured list, the bullpen is again a source of concern for the Rangers. Their farm system is a little thin at the moment, though, and it's not as if Yates (1.10 ERA) is slacking in the closer's role.

8. San Diego Padres

Record: 22-23, 2nd in NL West

Current Closer: Robert Suarez

With trades for Dylan Cease and Luis Arraez under his belt just in the last couple of months, it seems foolish to count out Padres general manager A.J. Preller on any star trade attractions. But with Suarez (0.49 ERA) having a terrific year, the need for Miller in San Diego isn't strong.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks

Record: 20-23, 3rd in NL West

Current Closer: Paul Sewald

Arizona's bullpen has been on the leaky side, blowing nine saves and committing 32 meltdowns. But Sewald, who's as good as anyone when healthy and pitching well, just came off the IL. Otherwise, this is another team with a middling farm system.

6. Toronto Blue Jays

Record: 19-22, 5th in AL East

Current Closer: Jordan Romano

Blue Jays relievers have a 5.04 ERA and Romano's strikeout rate is at a career-low 19.6 percent, so whether Miller is needed in Toronto is not the question here. Whether they can afford him is, especially with one of its two best prospects out with an injury.