USA Today Insider Thinks Dodgers Could Wind Up Signing Josh Hader
Shohei Ohtani. Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Tyler Glasnow. Teoscar Hernandez.
After these four additions this offseason, surely the Dodgers are done with their spending spree. Right?
Well, maybe not, according to USA Today Insider Bob Nightengale. Nightengale is reporting that the Dodgers may end up still signing free agent closer Josh Hader down the line this offseason.
“If Hader is still on the market in a month, and they can grab him for less than the five-year contract in excess of $100 million he’s seeking, they’ll seize the opportunity and sign him, too.”
Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today
The Dodgers have been linked with Hader all offseason, but the noise about the team landing him has grown in recent weeks. Los Angeles doesn’t have a typical closer on the roster, and it seems like they may want to add one.
Hader is one of the best closers in the game today, and would massively upgrade the already strong bullpen for this team. He was spectacular for the rival San Diego Padres last season, posting an ERA of 1.28 and a WHIP of 1.10.
The veteran left-hander also added in 33 saves and has been one of the more trusted relievers in the last couple of years. The reason that Hader could fall into the Dodgers’ laps is simply due to the contract that he is looking for.
Hader is reportedly looking for a larger contract than the five-year, $102 million deal that Edwin Diaz signed with the New York Mets last offseason. Teams have been reluctant to shell out this type of money to relief pitchers due to their fickle nature each season.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, especially, has been hesitant to hand out large free-agent contracts to relievers, so signing Hader could be a change. However, the Dodgers have operated in a much different way than normal this offseason, so bringing Hader aboard wouldn’t really shock anyone.
Signing Hader would impact the bullpen by sending Evan Phillips back to a more comfortable role as the team’s “fireman” option. While it remains to be seen if Hader will land with the Dodgers, it’s certainly an interesting prospect to think about.
Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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so unrealistic
Brasier would be a better investment.
Totally agree.
Get Brasier and Hader. Take no prisoners. The Dodgers have more money than God.
Amen!
Right on Roger, forget Hader and get rid of the lousie fielding 3rd baseman and pathetic second string catcher. Make him a coach.
Man, we need a closer …. I would LOVE for them to sign Hader !!
Seriously, you would not! He’s a whiny cry baby about what situations he can pitch, and what days…
The Dodgers definitely need to work on signing Brasier again, and if Hader is still unsigned just before spring training starts, and they can sign him on a reduced contract amount, of course sign him too!
i agree with Steve ,,, sign Brasier then maybe HADER right before spring training – 7th, 8th, 9th by committee is nerve-racking……