Padres Manager Praises Star Closer Miller After WBC Outing

Craig Stammen says it's "nice to have him on our team" after Mason Miller's dominant performance for Team USA.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:21pm

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San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen expressed his excitement about having Mason Miller on the team after the star closer's impressive outing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Miller struck out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning to clinch a 5-3 win over Canada, and Stammen was quick to praise the 27-year-old right-hander's potential for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Padres made a blockbuster trade to acquire Miller last year, sending top prospects to the Athletics. Expectations are high for Miller, who is known for his blazing fastball and dominant closing abilities. Stammen's comments suggest the Padres are thrilled to have Miller anchoring their bullpen as they aim to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to secure the 5-3 win for Team USA over Canada in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. Padres manager Craig Stammen was asked about Miller's performance and simply stated, "It's nice to have him on our team." The Padres acquired Miller in a trade with the Athletics last year, sending top shortstop prospect Leodalis De Vries and several pitching prospects to Oakland in the deal.

  • On March 14, 2026, Mason Miller pitched a dominant ninth inning for Team USA in the WBC quarterfinals.
  • The Padres traded for Mason Miller before the deadline last year.

The players

Craig Stammen

The first-year manager of the San Diego Padres.

Mason Miller

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher and star closer for the San Diego Padres, known for his blazing fastball and dominant closing abilities.

Leodalis De Vries

A top shortstop prospect who the Padres traded to the Athletics as part of the deal to acquire Mason Miller.

Braden Nett

A pitcher prospect who the Padres traded to the Athletics as part of the deal to acquire Mason Miller.

Henry Báez

A pitcher prospect who the Padres traded to the Athletics as part of the deal to acquire Mason Miller.

Eduarniel Nuñez

A pitcher prospect who the Padres traded to the Athletics as part of the deal to acquire Mason Miller.

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What they’re saying

“It's nice to have him on our team.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

What’s next

The Padres will be counting on Mason Miller to anchor their bullpen and help the team make a deep postseason run in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Padres' blockbuster trade to acquire Mason Miller from the Athletics last year is looking like a savvy move, as the star closer has the potential to be one of the best in baseball. Padres manager Craig Stammen's enthusiastic endorsement of Miller suggests the team is thrilled to have him leading their bullpen as they aim to contend for a championship.