Padres Rumors: Insider Links Top Friars Free Agent to AL Powerhouse

A good fit for him.

San Diego failed to reach the 2023 postseason despite some great pitching seasons from two impending free agents this winter. 

Blake Snell all but guaranteed himself a massive payday with a Cy Young caliber season but it's closer Josh Hader who one writer thinks would be perfect for an AL team. 

"Padres closer Josh Hader makes sense for the Rangers."

via Jon Heyman, NY Post

Texas' bullpen became a topic of discussion in September but the Rangers haven't needed much from their relievers to reach the ALCS after an undefeated start to the postseason. 

The Rangers fumbled the AL West division title on the final day of the regular season but will get their crack at the Astros over seven games with a spot in the Fall Classic on the line. 

Aroldis Chapman and Jose LeClerc have been the key pieces to the Rangers' bullpen but the AL's fifth seed surely feels more confident in their rotational depth. 

Nathan Eovaldi and Jordan Montgomery have both been excellent to start the postseason after they quickly dominated Tampa Bay and Baltimore. 

Max Scherzer and Jon Gray also might return from injury to make this Texas-sized championship series all the more interesting. 

No matter how this season finishes, Rangers GM Chris Young has shown his willingness to spend big in free agency and on the trade market during his tenure. 

Hader could become the next piece to Arlington's puzzle after another dominant season for San Diego. 

The former Brewer saved 33 games across 61 appearances with an ERA of 1.24 during another dominant All-Star season. 

Relievers usually don't get big contracts in free agency but someone of Hader's talent could break the mold due to his clear skills in late-inning situations. 

Hader's market should be vast due to his track record and whoever signs the closer will get a special talent for the end of their bullpen.