Padres closer has a solid argument for being the saves king of NL in 2026
Deemed as a clear runner-up, Miller can overcome the odds in 2026 for the Padres.
Padres closer has a solid argument for being the saves king of NL in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The 2026 MLB season is right around the corner, and with that said, there are some last-minute predictions and projections to be sorted.
Bleacher Report highlighted just about every statistical winner and runner-up for both the American and National League, and one stood out above the rest. Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres was deemed the runner-up behind Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz for most saves in 2026. But there are quite a few arguments to be made about that one as the season is about to get underway.
Miller's case for NL save king Looking back at the 2025 campaign, Miller had 22 saves between splitting time with the Oakland Athletics and the Padres. But this is going to be a complete 162-game stretch for him in 2026, and that could be a big boost in productivity. Not to say that Diaz could also stay true to the expert's prediction with the Dodgers in 2026, but there is no denying that Miller can ultimately take it.
Plus, former Padres closer Robert Suarez is now with the Atlanta Braves . Suarez led the NL in saves a year ago with 40 with the Friars, but he might not get as many opportunities with a powerful Braves lineup in tow. Miller is now the last line of defense, and his ability to take control of the strike zone with a blistering fastball and a devastating slider will set him apart.