Sunday was just like many other ninth innings for Josh Hader. He came in with the Milwaukee Brewers clinging to the lead, tasked with preserving the lead. He did exactly what he was paid for, striking out two as he fired a perfect inning to notch the save.
The difference was the final out led to a milestone. Hader recorded the 100th save of his career, joining Dan Plesac and John Axford as the only players to reach the 100 save plateau with the Brewers.
Josh Hader has Milwaukee Brewers save record in sights
It may not take much longer for Hader to climb up those ranks. Axford is second in franchise history with 106 saves, something that the Brewers’ current closer could surpass within a few weeks. He is also just 33 saves behind Plesac for the franchise record, a mark that he could pass by the end of the year.
Hader has been dominant enough over the years where it is just a question of when, not if, he will take those records. He has posted a 2.23 ERA and a 0.852 WHiP over his 286.1 innings, striking out 488 batters with just 108 walks. His dominance led to the revival of the fireman in the bullpen, as the Brewers used him in that role before he became a more traditional closer.
The only question is whether or not Hader will be with the team long enough to pass Plesac by. He has been a frequent topic of trade rumors over the past few years, something that has been understandable due to his ever increasing salary. However, weapons such as Hader are few and far between, and with the Brewers championship window wide open, he is a vital part of those hopes. He should be with the team long enough to climb to the top of the Brewers’ record books for saves.
Josh Hader became the third player in Milwaukee Brewers history to notch 100 saves with the team. He could take the all time lead in the near future.