Athletics closer Mason Miller is becoming a must-watch player

Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller.

After making his MLB debut last season for the Oakland Athletics, closer Mason Miller has become one of the most exciting pitchers in baseball despite only having 43.1 innings pitched under his belt.

Possessing the best fastball in baseball that averages 100.6 mph, the 25-year-old right-hander has been unhittable on the mound.

A whopping 73% of his four-seam fastballs have been thrown over 100 mph, with the next closest pitcher being St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley at 31.7%.

During his debut 2023 season, he started six games for the Athletics, going 0-3 with a 3.78 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 33.1 innings pitched.

But after injury issues, he was moved to the bullpen and is thriving with the ability to bring the heat on every pitch as opposed to pacing himself as a starter.

Currently, he is 5-for-5 on save opportunities with a 1.80 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 10 innings pitched this season.

His most recent save opportunity on Monday against the New York Yankees might have been his most impressive inning yet.

Facing the top of the Yankees lineup, Miller struck out shortstop Anthony Volpe and outfielder Juan Soto with 103 mph fastballs and then finished the game striking out outfielder Aaron Judge with a 102 mph fastball.

On a team looking for future building blocks, Miller, along with second baseman Zack Gelof and outfielder Esteury Ruiz, look to be a few players who could spend a long time with the Athletics organization.

While they might not be able to fill the seats in Oakland due to their discussions to move to Las Vegas, Miller is worth the price of admission given that he gets a chance to pitch in the game.

If Miller can stay healthy, he has a chance to be one of baseball’s next crop of dominant closers and a potential All-Star for years to come no matter what jersey he is wearing.

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