Mason Miller is already turning heads in San Diego, and this season he's got his sights set on some serious MLB history. When the Padres pulled off that blockbuster trade for the Athletics' flamethrower last year, they knew they were getting something special. But even they might be surprised by just how dominant he's looked in 2026.
According to ESPN's David Schoenfield, there are eight reliever records within Miller's reach this season. While all of them are tantalizing, only four are truly realistic—the others are either unlikely or nearly impossible to achieve. So, let's break down which records the Padres closer can actually chase down.
The eight categories on the table: lowest batting average allowed, strikeout rate, strikeouts in a season, lowest OPS allowed, lowest ERA, most saves, most saves without a blown save, and highest WAR. For Miller, the most achievable targets are batting average, strikeout rate, lowest OPS, and the perfect saves mark.
Start with batting average. Miller has held hitters to a microscopic .121 average this season. That puts him within striking distance of Kirby Yates' 2024 record with the Texas Rangers, which sits at .113. With Miller's electric stuff, that gap could close fast.
Then there's strikeout rate. Miller is currently punching out an incredible 55.7% of batters he faces. Aroldis Chapman's record of 53.5% is already in the rearview mirror. If Miller keeps this pace, he'll not only break that mark but potentially set a new standard for generations to come.
Lowest OPS allowed is another strong candidate. Craig Kimbrel posted a .358 OPS allowed in his historic 2012 season. Miller? He's currently allowing a ridiculous .285 OPS. That's not just good—it's historically dominant.
The toughest of the four is the saves without blowing one. Eric Gagne set the gold standard in 2003, going a perfect 55-for-55. As Schoenfield notes, it's a tall order, but if anyone can do it, it's a pitcher with Miller's arsenal and mindset.
Whether he bags one, two, or all four of these records, one thing is clear: Mason Miller is making 2026 a season to remember in San Diego.