Padres get trade predictions on Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon with 2027 twist

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The San Diego Padres are going to be answering a massive question at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. A.J. Preller and company have to determine if they're going to be sellers or stand pat at the deadline.

This question isn't so simple, as it pertains to Mason Miller, a controllable closer who's arguably the best in baseball at his role. He'd draw a massive return, but there is a real question about the likelihood of a deal.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale predicted what the Padres will do with Miller, and another high-leverage reliever in Adrian Morejon, at the 2026 trade deadline. While he predicts both are traded, there's a 2027 twist for Miller that shouldn't be a huge surprise.

Padres trade prediction for Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon has a 2027 twist

"They decide to keep Miller for now, but then trade him during the winter, creating a fierce bidding war," Nightengale writes. "They instead trade setup man, Adrian Morejon, who's a free agent after the season."

Trading Miller this summer could land a massive return in a deal, and there is a real chance that the Padres decide to ship him out now instead of waiting too long.

But, instead of trading Miller now, Nightengale is predicting the Padres will wait until the 2026-2027 offseason to move on from the superstar closer.

MORE: Padres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest update

It makes sense as to why, as San Diego could drum up even more interest from teams, like the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, that aren't going to be in the Miller sweepstakes this season.

Morejon, on the other hand, has to be traded this summer if the Padres want to move on from him in a deal. If they don't, he will hit free agency following the 2026 season, and the Padres wouldn't get anything in exchange for him if he leaves.

Nightengale is predicting the Padres will sell this summer, but keep Miller through the deadline with the plan to shop him in the offseason, drumming up even more interest and larger offers than there'll be this summer.

This prediction might be a bit risky for the Padres, but it does make sense if the offers they receive at this year's deadline don't move the needle enough to swing a deal.