The Friar Faithful were not surprised that San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen unofficially named Mason Miller as the team’s closer for the 2026 season.
Typically, news of this nature would not even register on your social media feeds. However, Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller said earlier in the offseason that Miller could be converted into a starter because his arm is that electric. But keeping him in the ‘pen is not a bad thing.
Miller is the logical choice to replace Suarez
Stammen’s revelation was
not meant to foreshadow potential offseason moves; the Friars’ urgent need for starting pitching is as great as any team in the majors. But not at the price of dismantling the back end of the bullpen.
Last summer’s trade for Miller solidified the San Diego ‘pen for the stretch run to the postseason. Now, he replaces Robert Suarez as the team’s closer. Tough act to follow, as Suarez posted a 4-6 record with 40 saves and a 2.97 ERA in 70 appearances.
After opting out of his contract, the Friars never considered re-signing him at the current market price for closers. Their biggest concern was Suarez’s 17 blown saves in 94 save opportunities during his four-year major league career. Failure to close out games may cost him money this winter.
Upon his arrival in San Diego, Miller has been outstanding, recording a 0.77 ERA in 22 appearances. Miller struck out 45 batters in 23.1 innings pitched. By season’s end, the San Diego ‘pen was one of the best in baseball. Collectively, the group ended 2025 with a 3.02 ERA, which led the majors.
Latest trend: Coverting relievers into starters
The latest trend in baseball is converting relievers into starters, as several teams have achieved success. It helps to keep payroll intact, as most of the candidates are under team control for multiple seasons. Often, they claim their fortune on the open market.
Miller began his professional career as a starting pitcher in the Athletics’ farm system. He suffered a UCL injury that forced the organization to move him to the ‘pen. It did not take Miller long to become one of the best closers in baseball.
The Friars had great success in transitioning Seth Lugo and Michael King from set-up relievers to top-flight starting pitchers. It seemed logical that Miller was a terrific candidate to make the same transition in 2026. But not at the expense of weakening the bullpen.
The club controls him for four more seasons, so the threat of an arm injury is not worth the risk. It makes sense for Preller to pursue other options to fill out the starting rotation.
Operating under a tight payroll budget, the Padres are working hard to strengthen their roster. The attraction of filling a rotation spot with an in-house candidate is enticing, but it could weaken a strength, the pitching staff, from last season’s team.
They cannot afford a vacancy in the ninth inning. Keeping Miller in the ‘pen offers a proven commodity to close out games.
Now, the Friars will have to explore the trade and free agent market to acquire starting pitching. Hopefully, payroll restrictions will not limit their choices.
