ESPN's Buster Olney has huge expectations for Mason Miller this year

Mason Miller was a third-round pick for the Athletics who has blasted onto the scene. He made his MLB debut in 2023 and has not looked back. 

During the 2024 season, Miller would be converted into a reliever to help maintain his health. A transition that was not too difficult for the hard-throwing righty to make. 

Since transitioning to a reliever, he has also switched teams, being traded to the San Diego Padres at the deadline last season. 

MORE: The historic home run milestone Jackson Merrill is chasing in his third season

ESPN's Buster Olney has huge expectations for Mason Miller this year

With Michael King and Dylan Cease slated for free agency, there was some thought that Miller would transition back into being a starter. However, that thought has been put to rest, and he will serve as San Diego's closer in 2026. 

New manager Craig Stammen, who was a former reliever, will understand better than most when to use Miller. With this, and how he looked this past season, ESPN's Buster Olney has huge expectations for the flamethrower this year. 

"Season prediction: At 27 years old, Miller has fully blossomed as a pitcher, and with former Craig Stammen serving as his manager and protecting him, he will post one of the best seasons ever for a relief pitcher."

That is quite a lot of pressure to put on someone, but Miller is unlike most players. In this day and age of high velocity, Miller led MLB with a 101.2 mph average on his four-seam fastball.

He is not a fun at-bat for opposing hitters, whether they are a righty of lefty. 

Miller has the perfect pitch mix for a high-leverage arm late in the ballgame. While we have already talked about his fastball, he also possesses a devastating slider and a changeup. 

Not only can he generate whiffs on his fastball, but he keeps opposing batters on their toes with a good mix of speed and break. He has all the stuff to lead all relievers this season.

More MLB news:

• The prediction that has Pete Crow-Armstrong becoming a nightmare for opposing catchers
• MLB analyst has some massive expectations for Julio Rodriguez in 2026
• This Garrett Crochet prediction should have Red Sox fans jumping for joy
• Pirates' Paul Skenes projected to do something only 12 other pitchers have done
• Phillies are a perfect landing spot for one of the top free agent pitchers