‘Who throws harder, Mason Miller or Ben Joyce?‘ It’s a question that stirs curiosity among baseball fans, especially when you’re talking about two pitchers who can light up a radar gun with mind-blowing speed. However, for Oakland Athletics’ pitcher Mason Miller, the competition is something he’s more than familiar with.

But when asked to compare himself to Los Angeles Angels’ phenom Ben Joyce, Miller couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I think he’s got a bit more in the tank, I mean he just lays back and explodes out of his hand,” Miller said while on Foul Territory. He acknowledged the raw power Joyce brings to the mound. “He throws a little bit harder than me, yeah, yeah.” After all, it’s not often you hear a professional pitcher admit that someone else has the upper hand in velocity!

Miller’s response is filled with humility, a sense of camaraderie, and respect that goes beyond the competition. After all, both of these young stars are known for their electric fastballs, and that shared understanding of what it takes to throw that hard is what makes this rivalry so unique. Miller then went on to recall a specific moment that perfectly captured the intensity of their healthy battle.

“A couple of games last year, where I think I clocked 103 mph in a game in Philadelphia where my pitch hit my PR for the season,” he said, before laughing again. “And then he came in and hit 105! So my 103 doesn’t matter.”  Miller’s tone reveals how much respect he has for Joyce’s arm, but it also highlights the fun rivalry that exists between these two. Even though Miller’s 103 mph pitch was a personal best, it was quickly overshadowed by Joyce’s 105 mph heat ball, cementing Joyce as the king of velocity—at least for that day!

At the end of the day, it’s not just about who can throw the hardest. It’s about the shared drive to push the limits of what’s possible and the thrill of competing at the highest level. And as the season progresses, the rivalry for the Velocity King title will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next showdown of raw power.

Mason Miller: A rising star waiting for a contract extension

‘Velocity is just a number,’ they say. For Mason Miller, this philosophy has guided his rise as one of the Oakland Athletics‘ most valuable assets. However, despite an impressive All-Star 2024 season, the 26-year-old has yet to be offered a contract extension from the front office.

With the organization preparing to relocate to Las Vegas, locking down Miller should be a top priority to ensure their pitching staff remains a force for years to come. Miller’s dominance on the mound is undeniable. Last year, the right-hander averaged 100.9 mph on his fastball, but for him, velocity is never the goal. “I don’t pay attention as much to the radar gun. I’m worried about getting three outs,” Miller explained in a recent Foul Territory TV interview.

“I’m fortunate that I don’t have to be sitting there saying, ‘I’m going to throw this ball as hard as I can.’” His calm demeanor, paired with his incredible velocity, makes him a standout closer and one who could anchor the A’s bullpen for years to come.

Meanwhile, the A’s front office has already locked down long-term contracts for other core players like Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler. Now the question that arises is: when will they turn their attention to Miller? As their transition to their new home is in process, locking down Miller should be their top priority! If Oakland wants to build a competitive future, locking up Miller for the long term is 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. Will they lock down Miller before he becomes the hottest commodity in the market? Only time will tell.