If the Milwaukee Brewers do trade Josh Hader, which teams make the most sense as possible landing spots?
In an offseason where the free agent market is limited in terms of high-profile names, this winter’s trade market is likely to feature a number of the game’s top players as teams look to unload high-priced players to cut payroll and fill voids in their roster.
As reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray, the Milwaukee Brewers are currently listening to offers for their star reliever Josh Hader, an offseason trade that makes a lot of sense.
It’s been quite the ride for Hader since being traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Brewers for starting pitcher Bud Norris. In his four seasons with Milwaukee, Hader owns a 2.54 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP, and a career-strikeout rate of 15.3 K/9 IP.
That run also includes two All-Star appearances and two Reliever of the Year honors as Hader has established himself as one of the more dominant relievers in baseball.
However, the Milwaukee Brewers now face a need to trim payroll and fill multiple holes in their offense. Milwaukee has resisted trading away their top reliever for some time now, demanding a large return for the now 26-year-old.
With multiple years of control left, elite swing and miss stuff, and the ability to turn just about any backend of a bullpen into a force to be reckoned with, the Brewers have rightfully not budged on their high asking price for Hader.
But is this finally the year? With his trade value about as high as it’s going to get, the Milwaukee Brewers would be smart to move Hader this offseason. If they do, these three teams would make plenty of sense as possible landing spots.