In a risky effort to strengthen their bullpen, the San Diego Padres acquired closer Josh Hader from the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.
In exchange for the All-Star pitcher, the Brewers will receive a “substantial” return that includes closer Taylor Rogers, pitching prospect Robert Gasser, outfielder Esteury Ruiz, and reliever Dinelson Lamet.
Given that Hader is still a top closer and the Brewers are vying with the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the National League Central, the decision to part ways with Hader is surprising. Additionally, the left-hander has one more season under team control before becoming a free agent in 2023.
Hader has established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s most effective relievers since making his debut in 2017.
The 28-year-old has a 2.48 ERA over 316.1 innings in 269 games, 541 strikeouts, 161 hits surrendered, and 541 walks allowed.
Hader tops all relievers with at least 150 innings pitched, according to FanGraphs, with 15.39 strikeouts per nine innings and a 44.1 strikeout rate during the last six seasons. His 9.4 wins above replacement during that time tie him for second among relievers.
Hader concluded 2021 with 102 strikeouts in 58.2 innings, a 1.23 ERA, and a 0.84 WHIP. Last year, the Brewers handled him differently than they had in the past. He never pitched more than one inning in a game all season, not even in the postseason.
With a 95-67 record, the Brewers won the NL Central, but the Atlanta Braves defeated them in the NLDS.
Hader started the year as electric as ever to earn another All-Star selection in 2022, sticking mostly to his one-inning role, despite his recent inconsistency. He had a 1.09 ERA going into July, but over the previous month, he allowed 13 earned runs, bringing his season ERA down to 4.24.
One justification for dealing Hader now is that Milwaukee will be able to maximize his worth by getting back a number of impact players who will be long-term assets for the team. A probable playoff spot this season may make the team weaker in the short run.
