How many relief records are potentially in play fo...
Key takeaways
- Even then, it was a bit of a fluke, as the Cubs' rally began with a 49.5 mph roller down the third-base line that might have been a foul ball.
- Despite that little blip, Miller's domination since the Padres acquired him from the Athletics last season has put his name in the conversation about some of the best reliever seasons we've ever seen.
- Let's find out how true that statement is: Are we watching the best relief season in MLB history?
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Mason Miller's incredible early numbers have put him on pace for potentially one of the greatest relief seasons of all time. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images David Schoenfield May 7, 2026, 07:00 AM ETClose Covers MLB for ESPN.com Former deputy editor of Page 2 Been with ESPN.com since 1995Multiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions Consider Mason Miller the latest evolution of the flame-throwing, fire-breathing relief pitcher, from Dick Radatz to Goose Gossage to Rob Dibble to Billy Wagner to Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman. Pitching in one-inning bursts of thrilling 101 mph fastballs, Miller had a streak of 37⅓ scoreless innings going back to last season until he allowed two runs last week while closing out a win for the San Diego Padres over the Chicago Cubs.
Even then, it was a bit of a fluke, as the Cubs' rally began with a 49.5 mph roller down the third-base line that might have been a foul ball. Two more base hits, a groundout and a wild pitch followed, and Miller saw his ERA climb from 0.00 all the way to 1.26 and his batting average allowed skyrocket from .071 to ... .125.
Despite that little blip, Miller's domination since the Padres acquired him from the Athletics last season has put his name in the conversation about some of the best reliever seasons we've ever seen.