Dodgers Should Pursue Reliever Josh Hader Says MLB Network Insider
To begin the week, the New York Mets threw their name in the hat in regards to having major interest in Milwaukee Brewers’ reliever Josh Hader. However, one MLB Network insider believes that Hader is actually a better fit currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers than the Mets.
On MLB Tonight, Joel Sherman talks about the volatility of the reliever position. In addition, he says that Edwin Diaz is a perfect example of how trading prospects for a reliever isn’t always as safe as it appears. Still he makes a case on why the Dodgers are in the right position as an organization to add Hader.
https://twitter.com/DiamondHoggers/status/1202083363261161473?s=20
First, here is the reasoning for Sherman banging the drum for the Dodgers to go after Josh Hader. It sounds like Sherman believes that while Hader may not be good for the next decade, he’s going to be good for the window the Dodgers have to win a championship.
“Since 2018 – if you just believe in Wins Above Replacement – he had the best Wins Above Replacement of anyone since a guy named Mariano Rivera in 2008. He became a mop-up guy who got non-tendered yesterday. Look what happened to Edwin Diaz. Generally if you’re a great centerfielder, you stay a great centerfielder in your prime. If you’re a great shortstop, you stay a great shortstop in his prime. This position (reliever) is fickle.”
Then Sherman states why the Dodgers are a better fit for Hader than the Mets. In short, he feels like Los Angeles is in position to win a title right now. By comparison, it sounds like he feels like the Mets would be more dangerous to mortgage their future on another reliever.
“The Dodgers who are clearly a championship contender who need this position? They should absolutely do what’s necessary to go get Josh Hader. The Mets? I am not so sure that’s what they should do.”
Finally, I do agree with Sherman. While Hader has his warts on and off the field, I think his fit with Los Angeles and ability to close is undeniable. Further, he provides the Dodgers with another option to go with in the ninth inning if Kenley Jansen falters. Without question – this would feel to me like the Dodgers are making a splash – even if they fail to reel in the tier-one free agents we are all hoping for.
Would You Like To See The Dodgers Get Josh Hader?
Do you feel like this would be a good move for the Dodgers? Why or why not?
Yes. I think they should go after him as long as he is a good clubhouse and team player. I would not want to wreck the atmosphere of the team especially for a guy who faces 3 hitters every other night.
As long as the cost is reasonable. The Dodgers need a good bullpen, and a good lefty reliever.
It’s a move I thought the Dodgers should make before I heard Sherman. They tried and failed to get Vasquez (thank God) last year, so they know they need it as well. If they’re going to spend prospect capital on anyone, Hader would be it.
Why would the Dodgers need Hager? We’ve got Kenley, and just resigned Alexander….
Spoken like someone with no clue about what he just wrote.
I was being facetious. Actually spoken like a Dodgers fan that has been watching this annual 4 million attendance, 8 billion T.V. deal , then sign no one, do nothing at the trade deadline. The only clue is that each year the Dodgers are linked to everyone, then sign no one. What does that clue tell you Vinman. 33 years…….
Right on, Kirk. I honestly did not know that Hader was non tendered yesterday. and if that’s the case he won’t cost us prospects. And also right on about Dodgers being linked to everyone (top FA’s) and ultimately getting NOBODY. I am will to bet that Freidman leaves these upcoming Winter meetings emty handed.
The player he was comping to Mariano Rivera and that got non-tendered was former A’s RHP Blake Treinen, not Hader.
It was an example of how unstable RP’s are from year to year.
MIL was reported to be willing to trade LHP Josh Hader and I’m sure they are … for a king’s ransom.
Paul, I replied yesterday to you about this. And since I once again vowed to boycott the Dodgers until they go all out for a title, my post was deleted.
Not a bad choice if you aren’t getting Betances. No Gausmen or Lindblom types please this is the Dodgers with billions of dollars. Also Cole better be signed as well as Hader or Betances
Well said.
Josh Hader would be a great addition. many questions though. 1) Would Milwaukee be willing to trade him (everyone is trade-able and I mean seriously anyone. Babe Ruth was traded for crying out loud so was Wayne Gretzky and Wilt Chamberlain. Its all about the cost
2) point number 1 being answered then is at what cost. 3) Dodgers gotta due there homework that they almost don’t seem to due diligence in looking at character (see Aroldis Chapman trade later rescinded, and of late Velasquez I think the Dodgers got lucky and just dodged a big fat bullet.
I think looking back when Eric Gagne was the closer the Dodgers were less of a total team but if the Dodgers got to the 7th inning with a lead it was almost lights out with Mota and Gagne.
The front office needs to finally take care of this issue and as the saying goes “Make the Dodgers Great Again”. The Dodgers haven’t been great since “88.
Well said 372a. Speaking of Chapman, if the Dodgers were actually concerned about winning it all, they would have kept Chapman and won the World Series. It’s always ANY excuse to avoid paying someone long term with Friedman. I found it quite ironic that in both instances Vasquez and Chapman both had personal relationship problems right when both found out they would be more than likely going to L.A. Make the Dodgers great again!!!!! Love it!!!!
Are you suggesting the Dodgers had anything to do with their egregious behavior?
I don’t believe Kirk means that at all and of course Dodgers had zero to do with their reported behavior. But again I will repeat this that goes along with what Kirk said about any excuse to avoid paying someone:
Some teams have what it takes…
And the Dodgers just have excuses!
Exactly Paul, what I meant was to be left to the imagination because that’s all we have as fans to try and describe why the 2nd largest market in Baseball would annually drop the ball and strikeout over and over again with top Fa’s. As a fan it’s
painful to watch. If you watched the winter meetings last year like I did, we saw Stan Kasten come on and say he felt really good with the team he had for the 19 season and felt the team could win the World series. He then stated that there was a lot of major league ready players in the organization that would help fill the losses of Grandal ( Which never happened). Bravo for Kasten sticking with his plan to get young, but 1st off he was completely wrong as we know how confident he was, 2nd it’s been 33 years and we’ve all seen the numerous back to back rookies of the year awards pass by with 0 zilch world series titles. Paul you are exactly right about excuses! Can’t wait to here Kasten’s confidence this year for NOT doing squat at the meetings.
Not at all.But the players both fell into the same problems at the exact time. Little bit ironic to me..
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE DODGERS GET HADER
This article mentioned that Hader had warts on and off the field. I’d like to know what is meant by that. Similar to Vasquez and Chapman, it is important as an organization and for team chemistry.
This is who they need forget about rendon,cole,Strasburg and Lindor or kluber.Dodgers had 106 wins no need for starting pitching or anybody else.
Typical dodger fan thinks everything is hunky dory because of the regular season. Remember when all of us were pointing out throughout that 106 win season exactly how this team would get eliminated in the playoffs and the first round specifically? Roberts making a stupid move, Kelly, Kershaw and the offense choking and continuing their terrible second half approach. ALL of the above occurred