New York Yankees: ‘most active pursuer’ for Josh Hader
The Yankees just signed Gerrit Cole to the largest contract for a starting pitcher in MLB history. However, it appears they now have their sights set on another All-Star pitcher. Will GM Brian Cashman stay busy?
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reported that the Milwaukee Brewers are making their superstar reliever Josh Hader available to the trade market. Hader has been one of the best, if not the best, relievers in the league since he debuted in 2017.
In that stretch, he leads all relievers with 349 strikeouts in 204.2 innings pitched. He also leads in xFIP with a 2.54 and is second in WAR with a 5.9.
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Naturally, his name has attracted a lot of attention on the hot stove. Big-market, reliever-needy teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets have inquired about Hader. However, the New York Yankees are reportedly the “most active pursuers” of Hader, according to Rosenthal.
The Yankees don’t need him, as they already boast possibly the best bullpen in baseball. It features Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Chad Green, Adam Ottavino, and Tommy Kahnle. Hader, the two-time reigning Trevor Hoffman award-winner, would make this bullpen one of the best in MLB history.
Only 25, Hader has four more years of arbitration eligibility left before he becomes a free agent. Thus, the Brewers know he will become very costly to keep over those years. Being a small market team, it could be in their best interest to move him now and bolster their below-average farm system.
However, they have no reason to trade him right now, so they will require a hefty return. They are targeting top prospects, and there is no reason why they shouldn’t get them if a deal gets done.
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Right now, it seems unlikely that the Brewers will part ways with Hader. But the Yankees have shown they are willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want this offseason, so don’t be surprised if they unload top prospects to form one of the best bullpens in MLB history. They have the farm talent to unload, and a clear goal to form the best team in baseball.