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Mason Miller closer to Oakland A’s than he may realize

By David Hill

Apr 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A baseball rests on the pitching mound before a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A baseball rests on the pitching mound before a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mason Miller could be the next Oakland A’s prospect to rocket through the system and reach the majors.

A third round selection for the A’s in the 2021 MLB Draft, Miller has been an impressive story. He had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2018 midway through his collegiate career. That diagnosis, and subsequent changes, helped him become a prospect, leading to his being taken in the third round.

Oakland A’s prospect Mason Miller has bright future

That future could arrive sooner than anyone expects. When asked as to what the A’s were hoping to see from Miller in the Arizona Fall League, assistant general manager Billy Owens stated that the goal was to “Build his innings and get acclimated to upper-level hitters. He’s probably closer [to the big leagues] than he realizes.”

Miller already had a brief chance to test himself at the upper levels. He made one appearance at Triple-A this season, firing three shutout innings where he allowed two hits and a walk while striking out three. However, he also had just 12 innings between Triple-A, High-A, and Rookie League ball this season, necessitating that he gets some more work in this year.

The timing of his debut could also depend on his role moving forward. Miller has a plus-plus fastball that hits triple digits in a relief role. Paired with an excellent slider, he could be a late inning weapon for the A’s as soon as the end of the 2023 campaign. However, if they want to continue to develop him as a starter and work on his changeup, that timeline gets pushed back.

Miller could progress quickly even as a starter. Owens and the A’s are high on his future, expecting that he can make an impact sooner rather than later. It may well be that they are not concerned about his changeup developing or feel that it is further along than his scouting report indicates.

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Mason Miller would seem to be a few years away from making an impact on the Oakland A’s. Instead, he could arrive sooner than expected.