Padres Confront Rotation Dilemma as Mason Miller Resists Shift from Bullpen to Starting Role
The San Diego Padres are grappling with a pressing issue this offseason: the need to solidify their starting rotation. With Yu Darvish undergoing an internal brace procedure and the potential departures of Dylan Cease and Michael King due to free agency, the urgency for a solution is palpable.
Internal Options and External Pressures
While the free agent market and potential trades have captured attention, the most compelling option may lie within the organization itself. Mason Miller, who made a name for himself as an All-Star closer for the Oakland Athletics in 2024, was a significant acquisition for the Padres at the trade deadline on July 31. However, Miller’s commitment to his role as a closer raises questions about his willingness to transition to a starting pitcher.
New Padres manager Craig Stammen and president of baseball operations AJ Preller have expressed interest in exploring the possibility of Miller taking on a starting role. Yet, the player himself appears resolute in his preference.
Miller’s Reluctance to Start
Jim Bowden, a former general manager with the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, shared insights from a conversation he had with Miller during the All-Star Game two years ago. Bowden recalled, “I asked him about starting, and he basically said that he wanted to close. He doesn’t want to start.” Miller’s previous attempts at starting did not yield the desired results, leading him to favor the role of closer.
Bowden further asserted, “You have the stuff. There’s no doubt in my mind you could develop into an ace, a number-1 starter.” His belief in Miller’s potential as a starting pitcher is clear, but Bowden cautioned that convincing a player to take on a role they are reluctant to embrace is often a futile endeavor.
Manager’s Perspective on Transitioning Roles
In light of the situation, Stammen, who has firsthand experience as a relief pitcher, has not ruled out the possibility of Miller making a successful transition to starting duties. His recent comments during an interview with MLB Network indicate he is open to discussing the matter further with Miller. The challenge remains: how to align the team’s needs with a player’s career aspirations.
As the Padres navigate their offseason strategy, the future of their rotation rests on pivotal decisions. Will they be able to sway Miller to embrace the starting role, or will they need to seek alternative solutions to fill the gaps left by departing stars? With the stakes high, the Padres face a critical juncture in shaping their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
