Could the Athletics consider trading their star pitcher?

April 19, 2023; Oakland, California, United States; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mason Miller (57) warms up before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics might at least be willing to trade their star rookie a little over a year after his MLB debut.

The Athletics are not ruling out a trade for closer Mason Miller, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. However, the A’s are setting a huge asking price and teams would likely have to part with top prospects to acquire him.

Miller is quickly establishing himself as one of the best relievers in the game. He has 33 strikeouts in 16.1 innings and has the highest average fastball velocity of any pitcher in baseball. Perhaps more importantly, he is under team control through the 2029 season, making him even more valuable as a potential trade chip.

Even though Miller isn’t shy about playing in a bigger market, it doesn’t make much sense for the A’s to move him unless they receive a massive offer. It seems unlikely, but they at least keep the door open.