Yankees, Padres match up better than ever after Mason Miller blockbuster trade

The San Diego Padres' reputation as Yankees West only increased further on Thursday when they traded baseball's No. 3 prospect in Leodalis De Vries in exchange for super closer Mason Miller of the A's and old friend JP Sears to bolster their rotation.

Even when the Padres don't trade directly with the Yankees, they make it even clearer how much they value New York's development pipeline. That familiarity helped push the Yankees' Juan Soto blockbuster across the finish line last winter (with Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Randy Vásquez, and Jhony Brito), and it could help Brian Cashman swoop in and take care of business again this afternoon.

No, the Yankees didn't have what it took to pay a premium for Miller; De Vries was a trump card New York couldn't have matched, even if they'd parted ways with George Lombard Jr.

Don't be angry about that, though. The Padres' willingness to move incumbent closer Robert Suarez and starter Dylan Cease may have just increased, and after talks with the Astros for Cease reportedly fell apart overnight, the Yankees would be excellent matches for both. AJ Preller's fascination with JP Sears only lends more credence to this theory.

Yankees, Padres could be a perfect trade match after Mason Miller blockbuster

Hmm. Maybe Trent Grisham's absence from Thursday's Yankees lineup wasn't all about reverse splits after all, following the Padres' reported desire for MLB-ready outfield and catching help?

Suarez, a 2025 All-Star (who was, um, locked out of the bullpen briefly, then allowed Steven Kwan and the American League to tie things in the ninth), is under team control through 2027, and has a 1.007 WHIP and 3.43 ERA this season hurtling 100 MPH heaters. Cease, though he's frustrated Padres fans in his contract year, is likely the highest-upside starter on the market. Maybe the Yankees could even take this tango one step further and ask the Padres about fellow bullpen ace Adrian Morejon, a lefty and fellow 2025 All-Star?

Knowing Preller, nothing is off limits, especially when the Yankees are the team he's trying to match wits with. Knowing the market, Cashman will need to get creative. What gives way, with six hours remaining?