In light of the Dodgers’ $1.2 billion offseason spending spree, many around the baseball industry are wondering where the team goes next. They brought in two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to head up the designated hitter spot and added to...
In light of the Dodgers’ $1.2 billion offseason spending spree, many around the baseball industry are wondering where the team goes next. They brought in two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to head up the designated hitter spot and added to their starting rotation with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.
The front office has turned a weakness back into a strength pitching-wise, but the team isn’t done yet. They are monitoring the market for at least one right-handed bat, but it seems they also may be looking into adding to their bullpen.
The Dodgers have been heavily linked with All-Star free agent closer Josh Hader in recent weeks, and the talks have grown louder. Hader is looking for a big contract. So far, the market hasn’t stretched to reach his asking price.
The 29-year-old left-hander reportedly wants a deal larger than the 5-year, $102 million contract that Edwin Diaz signed with the New York Mets last offseason. The Dodgers historically have never spent that much on a relief pitcher. Perhaps if the market continues to be lacking for Hader, they would consider entering negotiations on their terms.
Will Leitch of MLB Network believes that the Dodgers make sense for Hader as a landing spot. A five-time All-Star, Hader would upgrade any team’s bullpen and give them a trusted arm at the end of games.
“It does make a certain amount of sense for the Dodgers…”
Hader was brilliant for the San Diego Padres last season, posting an ERA of 1.28 and a WHIP of 1.10 over 61 appearances. He recorded 33 saves for the Padres, and the Dodgers could certainly use a true closer.
If they were to land Hader, it would likely send reliever Evan Phillips back into his setup role. Phillips was equally successful in the eighth and ninth innings last season, but Hader is unlikely to sign anywhere without assurance of being a team’s ninth-inning closer.
“But certainly, if they’re this motivated to keep going, why not go get Hader? They certainly could use him.”
The Dodgers’ bullpen was great at the end of last season, so they don’t necessarily need Hader. But he would be an upgrade, and this would follow the path of going all-in from this offseason.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has been hesitant in the past, to shell out large free agent contracts for relievers, but Hader could be an exception. He has been one of the best closers in baseball for years and could be the missing piece that L.A. needs to help them win another World Series.
Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
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