Josh Hader Rumors: 2 Top Playoff Teams in On Former Padres Closer

Will San Diego pay to keep Hader?

One of the biggest free agents for the San Diego Padres this winter is closer Josh Hader, and the team has a big decision to make on him. It feels unlikely that he will return next season, but anything is possible in the world of sports.

Hader put together a great season for the Padres, posting an ERA of 1.28 and a WHIP of 1.10. He also added 85 strikeouts over 56.1 innings of work.

He is entering free agency as one of the top pitchers on the market and will be paid very well for his services. While he isn’t likely to return to San Diego next season, Hader likely will be most interested in joining potential contending teams.

Two clubs have emerged as potential suitors for Hader according to MLB insider Jon Morosi. He lists the World Champion Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies as two landing spots for the dominant closer.

.@jonmorosi mentions the Rangers and Phillies as strong candidates to sign Josh Hader in free agency. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/V1j32prs7t

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 14, 2023

Both teams make sense for Hader, and they could add him to their already impressive bullpens. Texas getting Hader would almost be unfair since their bullpen was shut down during their run to the World Series this year. But they could always use someone like him going forward to ensure that they have a reliable option to close games.

Philadelphia likely wants to upgrade their bullpen after they failed to get back to the World Series this season, and Hader could serve as a trustworthy option for their relief system. Philadelphia knows that in order to win in the postseason, you need strong relief pitching, and Hader could provide that for them.

Hader is still only 29 years old as well, so there is plenty of time for him to stay in his prime. He has been one of the best closers in the game for a while now, and finally, he will be paid like it this offseason.

San Diego will have to figure out a plan to replace his production, and it won’t be easy. But unless they are prepared to shell out the financial obligations it will take to keep him, Hader is as good as gone from the Padres.