Yankees Zeroing In On Baseball's Best Closer
Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller and Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers are expected to be the Yankees' top two deadline targets.
"The Yankees' top two deadline targets should be All-Star closer Mason Miller, the game's top closer, and Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers," Heyman wrote.
Why Miller Is So Coveted
Miller has been the most dominant reliever in baseball this season.
The 27-year-old carries a 0.91 ERA that leads all of MLB, with 72 strikeouts across 39.2 innings, and is tied for second in the majors with 25 saves while converting all 25 of his chances.
He throws one of the hardest fastballs in the sport and would give the Yankees a devastating late-inning weapon.
TRUE OR FALSE: The Yankees would solve their bullpen issues if they acquired Mason Miller. 👀 pic.twitter.com/eKMmclJ6rC
— SleeperYankees (@SleeperYankees) July 15, 2026
New York currently has David Bednar closing, and acquiring Miller would allow Bednar to shift into a setup role, forming a shutdown duo built for the postseason.
Bednar owns a 2.70 ERA with 18 saves, while setup man Fernando Cruz has a 2.25 ERA.
The Cost And The Catch
Landing Miller would not come cheap.
He is banking only $4 million this season and remains under team control through 2029, which makes him one of the most valuable trade chips in baseball and means San Diego will demand a king's ransom.
The Yankees were in this same position last season, pursuing Miller when he was with the Athletics, but were unwilling to part with top prospect George Lombard Jr.
Miller has since been traded to San Diego, and the question is whether the Padres even make him available given they have the best bullpen ERA in baseball at 3.05.
San Diego's offense has been a major disappointment, ranking last in baseball in team batting average, so the Padres will be looking for offensive help, and the Yankees have the position-player depth to potentially match.
Not everyone thinks New York should go all-in, with some analysts warning that surrendering substantial capital for a reliever is always risky.
But with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton having missed time and the Yankees holding a Wild Card spot, the front office appears ready to make a splash.
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