Mason Miller to Confirmed Take Over as Padres Closer After Suarez’s Exit

The Padres will officially start 2026 with a new ninth inning power arm. After several steady years finishing games in San Diego, Robert Suarez is now with Atlanta. As the season begins, the contrast between Suarez’s experience and Miller’s power arm will shape expectations for both bullpens.

Sep 9, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) celebrates after striking out a batter during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres’ bullpen enters the 2026 season with a new look in the ninth inning. Mason Miller steps into the closer’s role, formerly held by Robert Suarez, who left San Diego as a free agent this winter. The transition sets up an interesting comparison between two power right-handers with different profiles but similar late-inning effectiveness.

Miller was officially named the Padres’ 2026 closer during spring training, taking over after Suarez signed a three-year, $45 million deal with Atlanta in December. The Padres’ decision reflected both Miller’s dominance after arriving at the trade deadline and the organization’s confidence in his long-term consistency.

Statistically, the comparison between Miller and Suarez highlights contrasting styles. In 2025, Miller recorded 22 saves, a 2.63 ERA, 104 strikeouts and a 0.91 WHIP. Suarez, meanwhile, posted 40 saves (second in MLB), with a 2.97 ERA, 75 strikeouts and a 0.90 WHIP across 70 appearances.

Suarez’s value was rooted in consistency and durability. The veteran right-hander led the National League in saves and finished second in 2025, demonstrating reliability in high-stakes situations. His approach leaned on command and efficiency, reflected in a WHIP nearly identical to Miller’s but achieved with fewer strikeouts. Suarez’s ability to handle heavy workloads made him a traditional closer, capable of pitching on back-to-back days and navigating pressure situations with minimal drama.

Miller brings a different profile. Known for a fastball that regularly reaches triple digits, he brings elite swing-and-miss potential and a higher strikeout rate than Suarez. His 104 strikeouts in 2025 (nearly 30 more than Suarez) illustrate a skillset built on overpowering hitters rather than contact management. That dominance helped fuel the manager Craig Stammens confidence in handing him the ninth inning moving forward.

The transition also reflects a shift in bullpen philosophy. Suarez’s departure leaves San Diego without one of its most experienced relievers, but Miller’s youth and impressive stats suggest a long-term relationship. At the same time, Atlanta gains a proven late-inning arm. While Suarez is expected to work in a high-leverage setup role behind Braves closer Raisel Iglesias, his track record indicates he could still gather save opportunities.

Miller may offer greater strikeout totals and highlight-reel dominance in 2026, but matching Suarez’s 40-save output will be difficult. Save totals often depend on team performance and bullpen structure, and Suarez’s 2025 campaign set a high standard for consistency.

Ultimately, the Padres are trading experience for upside. Suarez’s steady presence helped define San Diego’s bullpen identity, while Miller represents a new era built on power and swing-and-miss potential. If Miller maintains his strikeout rate and efficiency, he has the tools to emerge as one of baseball’s premier closers. Still, Suarez’s proven reliability ensures that comparisons between the two will remain a central focus as both teams begin the 2026 season.