Padres News: MLB Analyst Thinks Josh Hader is MLB’s Best Closer

Hader's been a lockdown closer for the Friars.

It's been a largely disappointing season for the San Diego Padres. 

The star-studded roster hasn't lived up to the expectations that this year brought after they advanced to the NLCS last season, as they sit five and a half games back in the race for the National League's last wild card spot. 

Somebody that hasn't fallen short though is Padres closer Josh Hader. 

Hader's restored his reputation as one of the sport's best relievers as he's posted a career low 0.86 ERA and 26 saves through 44 total appearances in 2023. 

That's in stark contrast to last season, where he posted a career worst 5.22 ERA over 56 appearances between the Milwaukee Brewers and Padres. 

It's been a remarkable return back to dominance for the five-time All-Star, and MLB analyst Chris "Mad Dog" Russo named him as MLB's best closer on MLB Network's "High Heat."

Is Josh Hader the best reliever in baseball right now?@MadDogUnleashed thinks so.#HighHeat | @alannarizzo pic.twitter.com/1CgvYxG0j1

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 13, 2023

“If I had my life on the line right now… right this second, because he’s a lefty which obviously neutralizes those left-hand hitters, I would think probably I would take him, life on the line. … I would take Hader as my guy to close in a big spot.” 

via MLB Network

Hader's been a bright spot in what's been a dim season for the Friars, but they'll have him in tow down the stretch as they try to turn their season around in a hurry in an attempt to make the playoffs. 

The Padres could have traded Hader and other stars in the lead up to the trade deadline, but they instead chose to keep the sport's top closer and impending free agent. 

Whether that pays off with a playoff berth remains to be seen, but Hader definitely hasn't been a reason behind his team's struggles thus far. And now, he'll look to be part of a dramatic turnaround.