“MLB Hot Stove: Josh Hader’s Potential Record-Breaking Deal Sparks Interest from Yankees, Dodgers, and Rangers”
In the latest MLB offseason drama, three powerhouse teams—the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers—are reportedly vying for the coveted signature of five-time All-Star closer Josh Hader, according to CBS Sports insider Jim Bowden. As of Bowden’s December 28 report, Hader is seeking a deal “north of Edwin Díaz,” whose groundbreaking five-year,…
In the latest MLB offseason drama, three powerhouse teams—the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers—are reportedly vying for the coveted signature of five-time All-Star closer Josh Hader, according to CBS Sports insider Jim Bowden.
As of Bowden’s December 28 report, Hader is seeking a deal “north of Edwin Díaz,” whose groundbreaking five-year, $102 million contract with the New York Mets set a new standard for relief pitchers in the league.
Despite Hader’s stellar performance last season with the San Diego Padres, boasting a remarkable 1.28 ERA and 33 saves while striking out 85 batters in 56.1 innings, no team has yet matched the lucrative offer Díaz secured.
Interestingly, all three potential suitors—the Yankees, Dodgers, and Rangers—expressed a preference for bolstering their starting pitching before finalizing any deal with Hader. Bowden highlighted the Yankees’ contingency plan, noting that if they fail to reacquire Jordan Montgomery, they may pivot towards securing Hader, albeit likely not on a five-year deal.
At 29 years old, Hader aims to become the highest-paid reliever in MLB history, coinciding with the Dodgers’ historic signing of Shohei Ohtani to a record-breaking contract for U.S. team sports.
The Dodgers, already making waves with their offseason spending exceeding $1 billion, surprised many by expressing interest in Hader, especially after securing starting pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12 years, $325 million) and Tyler Glasnow (5 years, $136.5 million).
Hader, a three-time National League Reliever of the Year, began his MLB journey with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017 and was traded to the Padres in 2022. His departure prompted the Padres to sign Japanese relief ace Yuki Matsui to a five-year deal worth $28 million.
The prospect of Hader joining the Yankees has drawn attention, considering their already elite bullpen that boasted the best bullpen ERA in MLB last season at 3.34. The addition of Hader could transform their bullpen into an even more dominant force in 2024, with Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loaisiga serving as formidable setup options.
This potential acquisition becomes even more significant for the Yankees as it could help compensate for the loss of Michael King, who was part of the trade package that brought in superstar outfielder Juan Soto. King, a versatile pitcher, contributed significantly to the Yankees’ success last season.
Despite Hader’s occasional struggles, notably in his initial month with the Padres in August 2022, where he was temporarily removed from the closer role after allowing six earned runs in his first five appearances, he swiftly regained his All-Star form in September 2022 and had a stellar 2023 season.
With Hader’s uncertain future and the anticipation of a record-breaking deal, MLB fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this offseason saga.