Mason Miller’s rise to stardom in 2024 seemed almost inevitable. It was like a story that had been waiting to be written. From an unknown yet talented prospect to an All-Star closer in the blink of an eye, the 26-year-old became the heart of the Oakland Athletics. But despite his rapid ascent, a looming question lingered: Would the Athletics lock up their budding superstar before he became the next big thing on the market?

As a new season comes closer, the answer seems more urgent than ever.

“I hope so,” Miller said, a confident smile across his face as he spoke about the contract extension on Foul Territory. “We are a good group of guys. Really exciting for us to see ownership that doesn’t force anybody and believes in us.” Miller wasn’t just talking about himself. He was speaking for a team that had endured a difficult rebuilding process. The process where individual talent was often overshadowed by the team’s struggles.

But now, Miller and his teammates are starting to see the fruits of their labor. “You know, we’re starting to see past just this season, starting to develop what’s to come, and that’s exciting as a player. We are super excited for the extensions, and we surely have earned it.” The 26-year-old had a stellar 2024 season, posting a 2.49 ERA and 28 saves, all while striking out 104 batters in just 65 innings.

Despite his dominance on the mound, he is yet to be offered a contract extension. The A’s front office has been busy locking down Miller’s teammates Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler. However the question still remains, when will they turn their attention to Miller? As they embark on the rebuilding and transition process, locking up Miller for the long term should be a no-brainer.

As the A’s look toward their future in Las Vegas, the clock is ticking on securing Mason Miller for the long haul. So, will they lock down their standout star before he becomes the next big acquisition in the market? Amid all this, one thing is certain: failure to offer him an extension could be a move the Athletics would deeply regret, so they must get going!

Mason Miller: From starter to reliever, what’s next for him?

“He is the reason we won nearly as many games as we did.” These words from the Oakland Athletics GM David Forst sum up Mason Miller. After an impressive 2024 season, he quickly became one of the most dominant arms in baseball.

What’s even more remarkable is that this was his first season in the Major League! Yet, despite his success, the question remains: Could the A’s return him to the starting rotation in 2025? The answer appears to be no.

“I’m thrilled with how he did, and excited to have him in that role going forward,” Forst stated, shutting down any possibility of Miller returning to the starter rotation. Miller himself acknowledged the situation. According to him he always kind of knew that once he made the transition to the bullpen, it would be pretty tough to make it back into the rotation.

In a season where Miller proved to himself to be a valuable asset, the A’s seem adamant about keeping him in his current role. And while it may have been tempting to explore the idea of a starting role, the numbers just don’t add up. The bullpen’s stability depends mostly on him, especially with the A’s transitioning to Las Vegas. 

Now as the team prepares for a new chapter, Miller’s presence in the late innings will be vital for their success. Miller will be poised to ensure that the A’s can rely on a dependable arm in high-leverage situations.