The Philadelphia Phillies allowed an opposing pitcher to tag along on their aircraft to the All-Star Game, a pitcher who is also one of their top trade targets.
The Phillies finished the first half in poor manner, dropping two of three at home to the Oakland Athletics. That included Philadelphia’s biggest loss of the season, an 18-3 defeat on Sunday with six A’s home runs.
Following the game, the Phillies divided up. An MLB-leading eight of them flew in a private aircraft to Arlington, Texas, for this week’s All-Star Game festivities at the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field. The rest dispersed to spend time with their family or take a well-deserved midseason break.
Surprisingly, Philadelphia’s All-Stars were joined by an opponent who had just faced them a few days before: Oakland’s closer and lone All-Star representative Mason Miller, according to NBC Sports’ Taryn Hatcher.
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Miller, who tossed a spotless ninth inning against the Phillies on Friday, enters the All-Star break with a 2.27 ERA, 1.67 FIP, 0.86 WHIP, 15 saves, and 70 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings this season. With the A’s already out of contention, they may decide to trade their top closer before the July 30 MLB Trade Deadline.
Naturally, Miller’s appearance on Philadelphia’s team plane fueled speculation that he had been traded to the Phillies or was being recruited by its All-Stars. After all, Miller is anticipated to be one of Philadelphia’s top trade targets come the deadline.
However, such rumors appear to be a bit early. Last year, when Juan Soto was with the San Diego Padres, the Phillies provided him with a ride home from the All-Star Game. Furthermore, Oakland is a notoriously frugal team that would never hire a private plane for just one player (they invented Moneyball for a reason).
Miller might still join Philadelphia, but it would most likely be after the All-Star break. He’s still under the A’s team control until 2029, so acquiring him would require a big haul. That being said, never underestimate Dave Dombrowski.
