The New York Yankees have already addressed key holes in their lineup, but the real test now lies on the mound.
Ryan McMahon gives them, at least in theory, a legit answer at third base, something they’ve lacked for years.
Amed Rosario offers versatility and a knack for punishing lefties, while Austin Slater brings sneaky pop and clutch pinch-hitting experience.
But for all their offensive upgrades, the bullpen still feels like a house with shaky foundations during an earthquake.
The Yankees’ relief corps ranks near the bottom of the league and has been decimated by both injuries and underperformance.
Fernando Cruz was holding things together, but his absence has exposed the lack of depth and swing-and-miss ability.
Jonathan Loaisiga’s velocity is back, but the dominance isn’t. Ian Hamilton has moments, but inconsistency still lingers, as Luke Weaver and Devin Williams can’t do it all by themselves.
With October in mind, the Yankees need a lockdown weapon, not a patchwork fix. That’s why Mason Miller has become the white whale.
Miller is more than just electric — he’s thunder in a bottle. His fastball averages 101.2 mph and comes with ride that’s almost unfair.
His slider spins like a frisbee with teeth. It’s a brutal combo that leaves hitters guessing and fans gasping.
In 38.1 innings this season, Miller has struck out 59, flashing the kind of dominance that plays in October.
Don’t be fooled by the 3.76 ERA — the 2.86 FIP tells the real story: this guy is nasty, and he’s doing it without much help.
His presence would give the Yankees something they sorely lack — a true late-inning intimidator, someone who can slam the door.
Right now, Weaver and Williams are doing a solid job, but they’re not exactly feared. Miller would bring fear — and then some.
The Cost of Dominance: Yankees Weigh the Price
Of course, it all comes down to the asking price. And that’s where things get complicated — fast.
The Athletics know what they have in Mason Miller, and they’re not selling cheap. Think premium-tier prospects such as Spencer Jones, Cam Schlittler, and others, with an emphasis on pitching, though.
According to The Athletic, the Yankees are involved in talks but are hesitant to subtract too much from their young core.
That hesitation is understandable. Miller is young — just 26 — and comes with four more years of team control after 2025, so the Athletics are asking for the moon and rightly so.
The A’s don’t have to move him. They can sit back and let a bidding war unfold, knowing the pressure lies with contenders.
And the Mets, with a loaded farm and deep pockets, are looming as a serious threat. The Yankees may not be the highest bidder.
This is where Brian Cashman must decide if he’s willing to trade ceiling for certainty — a familiar dilemma at every deadline.
Mason Miller Could Be the Missing October Piece
Every contending team needs that one arm who makes batters uncomfortable and makes managers breathe easier in the ninth.
Mason Miller is that guy. He’s not just a reliever; he’s a one-inning event.
If the Yankees are serious about going deep in the playoffs, adding Miller is the kind of bold move that can define a season.
In a tight playoff game, there’s no room for “pretty good.” You need overpowering. You need elite. You need dominance.
Miller checks every box — if the Yankees are brave enough to write the check.
READ MORE: Sources: Yankees have displayed interest in Marlins’ Cy Young Winner
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