A's Still Seeking Closer After Mason Miller Trade

The Athletics are looking to fill the void left by the departure of their former closer.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Oakland Athletics traded away their former closer, Mason Miller, to the San Diego Padres in 2025. Since then, the A's have been using a closer-by-committee approach, and heading into the 2026 season, the closer job is still wide open. The team has brought in veteran relievers Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr. to add experience to their young bullpen, but Justin Sterner and Hogan Harris were two of their most effective relievers in 2025 and could also be in the mix for the closer role.

Why it matters

The loss of Mason Miller, who had emerged as the A's closer, has left a significant void in their bullpen. Finding a reliable closer is crucial for the team's success, as the late innings are often the difference between winning and losing close games. The A's will need to identify the right pitcher to fill this role and provide stability to their relief corps.

The details

Mason Miller was drafted by the A's in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft and quickly made his way to the major leagues, making his debut in 2023. He transitioned to the closer role in 2024 and was named an All-Star reserve that year. However, the A's traded Miller to the San Diego Padres at the 2025 trade deadline in exchange for several prospects. Since then, the A's have been using a closer-by-committee approach, with veterans Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr. joining the team to provide experience, and young relievers like Justin Sterner and Hogan Harris also in the mix for the closer job.

  • Mason Miller made his MLB debut on April 19, 2023.
  • Miller was named an All-Star reserve in 2024.
  • The A's traded Miller to the Padres at the 2025 trade deadline.

The players

Mason Miller

A right-handed pitcher who was the A's closer before being traded to the San Diego Padres in 2025.

Scott Barlow

A veteran relief pitcher who joined the A's in the offseason to add experience to their bullpen.

Mark Leiter Jr.

Another veteran relief pitcher who joined the A's in the offseason to provide depth and experience to their bullpen.

Justin Sterner

A young relief pitcher who was one of the A's most effective relievers in 2025 and is in the mix for the closer role.

Hogan Harris

Another young relief pitcher who was one of the A's most effective relievers in 2025 and is also in the mix for the closer role.

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What they’re saying

“The Athletics enter camp with a closer-by-committee outlook in the aftermath of last summer's Mason Miller trade, and bringing aboard veteran Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr. adds experience to a young relief corps. Justin Sterner and Hogan Harris were two of the team's most effective relievers in 2025, and Sterner has the swing-and-miss stuff to fit in the late innings, but track record will likely win out to open the year.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The A's will need to evaluate their options during spring training and decide on a closer to start the 2026 season. Scott Barlow, with his veteran experience, may have the inside track, but younger relievers like Sterner and Harris will also be given opportunities to earn the role.

The takeaway

The loss of Mason Miller has left a significant void in the A's bullpen, and finding a reliable closer will be a key priority for the team heading into the 2026 season. The A's are taking a closer-by-committee approach, but they will need to identify the right pitcher to provide stability and consistency in the late innings.