Phillies Linked With All-Star Closer in Latest Rumor

The Philadelphia Phillies have been linked with a prolific closer by an MLB Insider.

Kade Kistner | Nov 27, 2021

Daniel Clark-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies need a closer. That much was evident in the 2019, 2020, and yes, the 2021 season. The bullpen has been atrocious and a focal point of why the Phillies have missed the postseason in recent seasons.

It's for that reason that President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has declared that the closer's role is one of utmost importance this winter. It's for that reason that Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader has been on Philadelphia's radar according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman.

Hader has been the one of, if not the most prolific closer in the MLB for last few seasons. He won't come cheap, but the Brewers will soon be unable to afford his services. Considering the shape and tendencies of their franchise, they will likely want something for the three-time All-Star rather than letting him walk in free agency.

Milwaukee Brewers Closer Josh Hader / Brett Davis-USA TODAY

Hader has a career 2.26 ERA with 96 saves. He is one of the most consistent back-of-the-bullpen presences in the MLB and he has shown no signs of slowing down. At 27-years-old, he is in the middle of his prime.

When asked to do so, he has been able to go multiple innings when the game is on the line, as evidenced by his 157 innings pitched between 2018-2019.

He won't come cheap and a three-way trade could be possible as one MLB.com article by Anthony Castrovince ridiculproposed. However, the interest in Hader by the Phillies is real, it just remains to be seen how realistic an actual trade could be.

Hader will come at a steep price, especially considering he is controllable through the 2023 season. Names like Bryson Stott, Mick Abel, and Logan O'Hoppe may be in play when it comes to the acquisition of Hader.

That being said, it may take the movement of one of those top prospects to make the postseason once again. Perhaps even more than one if they hope to make a run at a World Series when Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Zack Wheeler are still in their prime.

Hader won't be the final or finishing piece to this roster, but his presence would go a long way in helping Philadelphia achieve their ultimate goal.

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Published Nov 27, 2021

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.