Josh Hader Rumors: AL West Squad 'Heavy Favorites' For All-Star Closer

The closer is expected to leave San Diego this winter.

Teams all around baseball have a need for an elite bullpen arm, notably a solid closer who can shut down a game when brought in. However, there aren’t many players like this in the game today, so when one becomes available, it’s best to grab them while you can.

One of the best closers will be hitting the free agent market this winter in former San Diego Padres reliever Josh Hader, and he is expected to receive a massive payday. Hader was great for the Padres last season, posting an ERA of 1.28 and a WHIP of 1.10. He also added in 33 saves on the year as well.

The market for Hader may only be a few teams, as some clubs don’t want to spend big on bullpen arms. But Hader will find his way to a team at some point, and one club in particular seems to be gaining steam on him.

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the world-champion Texas Rangers are seen as the heavy favorites to steal Hader away from the Padres this offseason. Hader was always expected to not return to San Diego, but his going to Texas would be interesting.

“The Phillies have shown little appetite for free-agent closer Josh Hader, leaving the Texas Rangers as the heavy favorite to sign Hader this winter.”

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today

The Rangers just got through the postseason with a dominant bullpen, and their adding in a guy like Hader would almost make it unfair. But the Rangers see a window for winning right now, and they are determined to do what it takes.

Hader may have a big interest in joining the Rangers since they are a contender, and he could vastly help them. While the bullpen was great in the postseason, it did struggle at times in the regular season for Texas.

Landing Hader would signal to the rest of the league that Texas doesn’t view their title as a one-year thing, and that is scary for everyone else.