Mason Miller returned to the San Diego Padres after missing three games during a difficult personal matter, and his first message was about support rather than baseball. The star closer said the clubhouse, coaching staff, and training staff gave him room to deal with everything while still feeling connected to the team.
Support Inside the Padres Clubhouse
Miller was placed on the Bereavement/Medical Family Leave List earlier this week and missed the series against the St. Louis Cardinals. He later rejoined the team for the weekend series against the Texas Rangers, where he recorded a save on Saturday.
Speaking afterward, Miller kept the matter private but made clear how much the response around him meant. “The guys are really supportive,” Miller said. “… The coaching staff, training staff, players in this locker room and everybody not only has my back, but everybody in this room has each others too. So it’s just really special when you get that opportunity to lean into those people around you.”
Staying Ready Away From The Team
Even while away, Miller continued throwing so he would be prepared when he returned. He said he had resources at home, including facilities, and wanted to avoid coming back unprepared.
“I have resources at home, some facilities there,” Miller said. “Just tried to stay ready and not come back unprepared, because that’s not fair to anybody here.”
Elite Production Continues
Miller has become one of the most dominant closers in baseball since joining the Padres. In 31 innings this season, he owns a 0.87 ERA and is 20-for-20 in save chances, which helped him draw National League Cy Young attention earlier in the year.
He has also been described as more than a standard closer, with some former stars calling him the most unhittable relief pitcher in baseball history. That reputation has only grown with the consistency he has shown on the mound for San Diego.
Long-Term Future Still On His Mind
Since being traded to the Padres last summer, Miller has said he wants to stay in San Diego long-term. He told Padres On SI in an exclusive conversation earlier this year that extension talks had not really happened yet, though he believed there was mutual interest.
“No, that hasn’t been really discussed,” Miller told Padres On SI. “I think they’ve hinted at some interest in it, but to your point, they do have me for the next three years also, so this isn’t something that’s like, ‘This guy’s out of here in a year and a half or this season.’ So I think there’s some comfort in that.”
Miller has three more years of arbitration eligibility before he can reach free agency in 2030. For now, the focus remains on pitching, staying healthy, and continuing the run that has made him one of baseball’s most valuable late-inning arms.