The New York Yankees were only seen as a fringe contender for ace pitcher Tarik Skubal before his deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Bronx Bombers could be losing out on a much more attainable target as well.
Skubal was dealt to the Dodgers in one of the biggest MLB trades in years, the first time since 2023 that a reigning Cy Young winner was dealt during the season. While the Yankees appeared to be fading in the Skubal sweepstakes, the team was seen as potential frontrunners for closer Mason Miller — before the tides turned on him as well.
The San Diego Padres were seen as reluctant sellers for their closer, who had just joined them on a major trade last season. Any lingering hopes the Yankees may have harbored to land Miller seemed to fade on Saturday, however.
As MLB.com reporter Cody Stavenhagen noted, the Padres made a seemingly decisive call on Miller's future.
"Another sign Mason Miller almost certainly isn't going anywhere: Two days before the trade deadline, Padres manager Craig Stammen has summoned his star closer for a five-out save attempt against the Giants," Stavenhagen noted. "Miller last went more than three outs on June 23, when he recorded a two-inning save versus the Braves."

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