Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller has taken the baseball world by storm. To date, the second-year hurler has recorded eight saves and a 1.10 ERA with 33 strikeouts in the 60 batters he has faced. He is showing everyone he belongs in MLB.
Yes, the Athletics are a Bad Team
We know this organization has a lousy stadium and the worst owner in the league. We have seen fan boycotts, terrible attendance, and nothing positive written about the team. However, this Mark Kotsay-led squad is 18-21. With a group of young and hungry players like Miller, they are beginning to be recognized as a decent team.
Who is Mason Miller?
Miller played college baseball at Waynesburg University for four years and then finished his collegiate career at Gardner-Webb University. The Athletics selected Miller in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He played in the Arizona Complex League (ACL) that season. In 2022, he spent time with the ACL Athletics, the High-A Lansing Lugnuts, and the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators. After the MiLB season, he played in the Arizona Fall League.
Mason Miller’s MLB Debut
Miller made his MLB debut in 2023. He started the season in Double-A but was quickly shuttled to Triple-A. However, after one start there, he was promoted to the big-league club. On April 19, he debuted against the Chicago Cubs.
Mason Miller’s 2023 Statistics
Even though Miller went 0-3 in 10 starts last year, he became the 10th starting pitcher to throw 15 pitches above 100 miles per hour. In May, he was diagnosed with elbow tightness. Tests determined he had a mild sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and he was transferred to the 60-day IL.
Big Decision
The Athletics decided to keep Miller’s arm healthy and strong by converting him to a reliever this past offseason. Later, he was named the team’s closer. He has responded to this change quite well. With his eight saves and 20 strikeouts in his first eight appearances, he is the first pitcher in MLB history to accomplish this feat.
Mason Miller has a 55.0 K% and a -0.15 FIP
Yes, that is a NEGATIVE FIP
Here are all of his Strikeouts: pic.twitter.com/CxnS0r4D34
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) May 9, 2024
Effective Closer
We know the season is only about 20 percent complete, but Miller has already been the most effective closer in baseball. The way he is pitching, he certainly is an All-Star candidate. He is on track to be an excellent closer if he continues to pitch well. Oakland has control of him through 2029.
Mason Miller is Fun to Watch
Mason Miller is fun to watch. The same is true for this whole Athletics team. Last season, Oakland had baseball’s worst record at 50-112. Most predicted they would not contend this year. However, with a core of young, talented players and a positive manager, they could push to finish above .500 in 2024. With Miller settled into the closer position and demonstrating outstanding performance, finishing with more than 81 wins might not be an impossible feat.
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