The San Diego Padres pulled off the blockbuster of the trade deadline when they landed Mason Miller in a trade with the Athletics. To pry such a talented pitcher from another team, especially one with the years of control he has, A.J. Preller had to be effective in his negotiations.
In a piece from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Preller's strategy in landing Miller was revealed, including how he broached the trade talks, and what caveats he set in place before swinging the blockbuster of the deadline.
"General manager A.J. Preller cited two factors: The constant communication Padres assistant GM Josh Stein maintained with the Athletics, focusing mostly on left-handed starter JP Sears initially." Rosenthal writes.
Staying in constant contact was a huge first step to broaching the idea of a Miller trade, even if Miller wasn't the original point of discussion. But, even though the Padres didn't have the top-tier pitching prospect the Athletics wanted, their trade talks surrounding Sears revealed to the Athletics that the Padres could put together a solid offer.
Including Leo De Vries, San Diego's top prospect, is what really opened the door for the Padres. Combined with the other prospects they eventually ended up dealing, the Padres were able to create a compelling offer for Miller and Sears.
Preller credited the Padres' successful trade for both not just due to the prospect haul they shipped off, but their constant, non-badgering communication with the Athletics amid negotiations.
MORE: Padres pull off blockbuster trade for Athletics' Mason Miller
"You're never going to badger a team," Preller said. IT's not like that. It's more about continually being active and checking in and making sure that as we go through what we need to accomplish, Mason Miller was going to be an option, or he wasn't."
Swinging a deal for Miller wasn't cheap, and it could limit the Padres' success in the future with the departing prospects holding immense value. But, as Rosenthal revealed, there was a reason why Preller felt comfortable making this blockbuster.
"Once Preller recognized he could add a catcher (Freddy Fermin), two hitters (Ryan O'Hearn and Ramon Laureano), a backup infielder (Will Wagner), and another starting pitcher (Nestor Cortes Jr.), he was comfortable parting with De Vries." Rosenthal writes.
The overall haul at the trade deadline for the Padres was very expensive, but it resolved the team's long-term bullpen and rotation questions, along with adding much-needed length to the lineup and depth at key positions.
From the team's constant communication with the Athletics, the creative trade package, and the knowledge that they could improve the rest of the roster, Preller made the Miller trade, landing one of the most electric pitchers in baseball.
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