The San Diego Padres were one of the most aggressive teams at the 2025 MLB trade deadline as they added several high-profile players, including All-Star closer Mason Miller in a deal with the Athletics.
The right-hander is in the midst of another excellent season as he has posted a 3.66 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 60 strikeouts against 18 walks across 39 appearances.
Miller will now try to help the Padres reach the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons. They enter play Tuesday only three games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West standings.
During an appearance on “Foul Territory,” Miller said he quickly learned what his new Padres teammates think of the Dodgers and is looking forward to being part of the rivalry:
“They told me right away, obviously we don’t like those guys a whole. I haven’t had a rivalry to that extent. The A’s play the Mariners, play the Astros a lot, and a lot of close games. We want to win those more than others, but not a rivalry to the sense of the Padres and Dodgers. I’m excited to experience that. Definitely going to be a lot of eye-opening experiences going forward, just with playing in front of all these fans and playing in these big rivalry games that mean so much.”
While there is some debate over whether the Dodgers and Padres have a true rivalry, there has certainly been no love lost between the teams in recent years.
Earlier this season at Dodger Stadium, benches cleared when Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a pitch. The incident led to managers Dave Roberts and Mike Shildt needing to be separated by players.
Along with growing tensions, matchups between the Dodgers and Padres have taken on added significance as well. The teams have met three times in the postseason since 2020, with L.A. winning two of those series.
“I think it’s become a rivalry because the stakes have been higher the last few years,” Roberts said earlier this year.
Padres’ trade deadline moves don’t ‘affect’ Dodgers
Whereas the Padres made several splashes, the Dodgers had a more modest trade deadline with their additions of Brock Stewart, Alex Call and a few prospects.
The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies also made noteworthy trades, but Roberts believes the Dodgers are still the team to beat when everyone is healthy.
“In all honesty, I don’t think it affects us,” Roberts said. “A lot of teams got better, and that’s what teams try to do that are competing at the deadline.
“But I think for us, I love the core of our club, and certainly with the guys we have coming back. It really doesn’t affect us. We’ve just got to focus on ourselves.
“I know it sounds trite and boring, but we’ve got play our own baseball. If we do that, I feel we’re the best team.”
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