Mason Miller is right in the middle of the National League wild-card race as a member of the San Diego Padres, but he was reportedly almost part of the same race with a different team.

San Diego president of baseball operations A.J. Preller made a huge push for Miller, as is his wont, and the A’s viewed the Mets as the “most serious” option beyond the Padres, per The Athletic. The Mets and A’s reportedly had “very serious” conversation, but the sides did not gain traction and the Amazin’s pivoted in different directions.

While the Rafael Devers-Giants trade in June was likely the trade with the most star-power this year, the Padres' blockbuster trade for A's closer Mason Miller was easily the most gutsy. AJ Preller traded away No.