Josh Hader

New York Yankees news, rumors: Clint Frazier, Miguel Andujar trade pieces for Josh Hader

by
New York Yankees, Clint Frazier

Settling with Gerrit Cole would be the easy way out of free agency for the New York Yankees, but general manager Brian Cashman has been given the green light to pursue all targets that would contribute to the further success of the team.

The Yankees managed to climb to 103 wins on the backs of several reserve players like Mike Tauchman, Gio Urshela, Brett Gardner, Clint Frazier, and more. They don’t necessarily need to dive into more free agents or potential trade deals, but owner Hal Steinbrenner is keen on winning a World Series in the next two years. Giving up players that are sitting in a secondary role for starting talent makes sense at this point.

Do the New York Yankees have enough utility options?

Both Miguel Andujar and Clint Frazier are on the line to be traded to the Brewers for Josh Hader, which would bring one of the best relief pitchers to the Bronx. The Brewers are also asking for a top prospect, but Cashman isn’t keen on letting two starting level players and a prospect go for a relief pitcher.

MLB Marathon: Hader for Andujar and Frazier being discussed. #Brewers seeking one more top prospect to finish the deal. Cashman being a tough negotiator. 

However, Hader’s numbers are stellar, and at just 25-years-old, his value is sky-high. Factor in the four years of team control the Bombers would consume, and his influence would be massive.

Here are Hader’s #s from 2017 in relation to other relievers:

204 IP (13th)
2.42 ERA (8th)
2.74 FIP (13th)
.85 WHIP (1st)
.146 Opponent AVG (1st)
15.3 K/9 (2nd)

There’s no such thing as too much pitching, and with both Dellin Betances and Nestor Cortes Jr. departing, Cashman needs to inject more talent into the bullpen. Having multiple quality starters and bullpen arms would give the New York Yankees a better chance at making the World Series, and they don’t want to look back and regret not making a decision that would increase their chances.

Trading away Andujar and Frazier might be a lot, but would it be worth a World Series win in 2020?

Click here for yesterday’s news/rumors!

New York Yankees: Josh Hader Update

by
New York Yankees, Josha Hader

The New York Yankees have been talking with the Milwaukee Brewers for weeks on a trade for star reliever Josh Hader. I recently spoke with some sources close to the situation in Milwaukee, and they seem to believe that Hader is going to be traded this offseason.

So why are the Yankees so interested in Hader? The simple answer is control. Josh Hader would come with four years of team control, which would give the Yankees a ton of flexibility. Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Adam Ottavino, Chad Green, and Tommy Kahnle would all hit free agency before Josh Hader. The Yankees are looking at this as an opportunity to secure arguably the best reliever in baseball who would also give them coverage if they were to lose any of those arms in free agency. The Yankees are also looking at this as a way to secure the most dominant paper roster in recent memory. If the Yankees would acquire Hader from the Brewers, they would arguably have the best lineup, starting rotation, and bullpen in all of baseball.

The Yankees Really Want Josh Hader

The Yankees do not need Josh Hader. The Yankees want Josh Hader. Sources told Empire Sports Media yesterday that the Yankees were aggressive in their push for Josh Hader. The same sources also believe that Milwaukee will deal him before Spring Training. Dan Federico reported of another “Informed” opinion that believes Josh Hader will end up in New York.

According to Jon Heyman, The Yankees have reportedly floated the idea of making Miguel Andujar the centerpiece of this deal. Andujar is coming off a lost season due to injury, but in his first full season back in 2018, he should have won the Rookie of the Year award in the American League when he set the Yankees franchise rookie record for doubles in a season at 47 (Baseball-Reference). The ole saying goes, “Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.” Well, I can tell you in this circumstance, there is a lot of smoke around Josh Hader and the New York Yankees. Time will tell if Josh Hader does get dealt, but if the news breaks that the star lefty is leaving Milwaukee, don’t be shocked if he’s heading to a barbershop close to Times Square.

Yankees rumors continue to indicate Josh Hader is coming to the Bronx

by
New York Yankees, Yankees, Brian Cashman

The Yankees haven’t hibernated this offseason like some of the bigger clubs in baseball. Instead, they have insisted on pursuing every big name with availability. They locked up the best pitcher in baseball, Gerrit Cole, for nearly a decade, and now they’re keen on securing one of the best relief pitchers.

After letting Dellin Betances walk in free agency to the Mets, the Bombers are curious about Brewers’ Josh Hader, who’s only 25-years-old and under four years of team control spanning until 2024. Hader recorded a 2.62 ERA last season, earning his second consecutive All-Star nod in just three years as a professional.

The Yankees would love to add a talent like Hader to their bullpen, but his services aren’t a necessity, more of a want. The team managed to log 103 wins last season without Dellin Betances featuring in any significant role, which would imply the Bombers don’t need to part with prospects and starting-caliber players for a player like Hader. Still, GM Brian Cashman is doing whatever it takes to win a World Series in 2020.

Rumors are continuing between the Yankees and Josh Hader:

Dan Federico: For what it’s worth, the same source that told me the Mets we’re pushing hard for Betances a couple of weeks ago told me on Friday that he still believed Josh Hader would end up a Yankee. An opinion, of course, but an informed one

MLB Marathon: As previously reported, the #Yankees and #Brewers are talking Josh Hader trade. Increasingly likely Hader ends up in the Bronx. #MLB

Consider these sources at your discretion, but with more and more people chiming in regarding Hader, the Yankees may be closing in on the elite closer. A decade of no World Series appearances has finally gotten to the psychic of owner Hal Steinbrenner, considering his lavish spending this offseason.

We will continue to update you on any progress made between the two sides and all of the relevant news out in the media. Enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!

New York Yankees rumors: Trade package including Miguel Andujar

by
New York Yankees, Miguel Andujar

The New York Yankees just recently lost Dellin Betances to the Mets when they announced they picked him up off the free-agent market. Even though Betances will be rehabbing for the majority of the year, that was still a big loss.

The New York Yankees have been eyeing Josh Hader from the Milwalkee Brewers for a few weeks now. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, a trade is possible that sends Miguel Andujar and a prospect to Milwalkee for Hader.

@JonHeyman on Twitter said this: Yankees remain interested in Josh Hader and could begin a package with 3B Miguel Andujar (Brewers don’t really have a set 3B). Interested teams still aren’t totally convinced Milwaukee would move the star closer though.

@NYYTalks said this about a potential trade: Yankees are willing to include 3B Miguel Andújar and top SP prospect Deivi Garcia in a deal for LHP Josh Hader…. problem is that the Brewers are still asking for at least one more top prospect such as Gil, Florial, or Schmidt for a deal to work out.

In my opinion, a trade with the Brewers that sends Andujar there and we get Hader makes a lot of sense for the Yankees. However, I think including Deivi Garcia would be giving up too much. There’s too much promise with how Garcia is expected to progress that I feel like the Yankees would be losing too much just to get a reliever in return.

I think trading away any other prospect in return for Hader would be good for the Yankees. Betances was a bigger loss than most people realize, and Hader would fill that missing piece easily.

New York Yankees news, rumors: A relief pitcher lost to free agency, do the Yanks need a replacement?

by
New York Yankees, Dellin Betances

The New York Yankees might have secured Gerrit Cole this offseason, but that doesn’t spell the end for general manager Brian Cashman and his eternal quest to build a World Series caliber team. The Yankees have had the talent in recent years to win it all, but a lack of efficiency in specific positions or timely injuries have hurt their chances.

Last season, it was the fatigue of the starting pitching and lack of depth in the bullpen that hurt the Bombers against the Houston Astors. Factor in the absence of run production and Cashman’s head was probably about to explode, especially after trading for Giancarlo Stanton the year prior. The former Marlin logged just 59 at-bats last season, resulting in a lost campaign and millions of dollars slowly swirling down the drain.

However, Cashman has done a stable job retaining essential talent and adding the best pitcher in baseball, even if he overpaid handsomely and offered nine-years. Now, with Dellin Betances signing on with the New York Mets, a team he was rumored to for weeks leading up to the conclusion, the Yanks now have to consider adding another depth piece to the bullpen.

Talks with Josh Hader and the Brewers have been ongoing, but the latest rumors have added Miguel Andujar to the mix, a factor that could have been assumed.

MLB Marathon – #Brewers will more than likely move Hader. #Yankees at the forefront of talks. #Phillies #Dodgers #Dbacks all said to have checked in. Deal could fall as soon as the holidays wrap up.

Consider the source above as you will.

Do the New York Yankees need to replace Betances, even if it’s Hader?

The Bombers managed to win 103 games last year, with Betances pitching in just one contest before tearing his Achilles. Realistically, they don’t necessarily ‘need’ to add another quality arm to the bullpen, but it would undoubtedly help their World Series efforts.

If they can get away with unloading minimal starting talent, that would be the ideal scenario, but the left-handed pitcher is still under team control for four years, increasing his value. Expect the New York Yankees to offer Andujar, Clint Frazier, and a prospect/cash considerations for Hader.

Click here for yesterday’s news/rumors!

New York Yankees news, rumors: Depth troubles, Josh Hader, when do the Yankees report?

by
New York Yankees, Zach Britton

Avoiding premium level free agents can be the difference between winning a World Series and falling short of one, which is the reality the New York Yankees faced in 2019. Signing Patrick Corbin last offseason might have given them the extra starter to make their goals attainable. While the rotation performed well in the playoffs, one dominant performance could have separated them from success.

General manager Brian Cashman didn’t let the luxury tax scare him away this year, as he inked Gerrit Cole to a nine-year, $324 million deal, and he might not be done yet. Milwaukee Brewers’ Josh Hader has developed into a hot commodity on the trade market, and Cashman is exploring a potential deal that would likely include Miguel Andujar, per Jon Heyman.

Yankees remain interested in Josh Hader and could begin a package with 3B Miguel Andujar (Brewers don’t really have a set 3B). Interested teams still aren’t totally convinced Milwaukee would move the star closer though.

Hader, 25, has four years of team control remaining on his contract, which makes him an even more enticing piece to add to the Yankees’ already finished puzzle.

This leads us into our rumors/news of the day:

The depth for the Yankees at catcher is problematic, as Kyle Higashioka will replace Austine Romine as the backup. Erik Kratz, 40, was also added to the team in hopes of extracting a bit of veteran savvy during the 2020 season. However, neither of these two players can be trusted to supplement Sanchez’s offensive production. The inevitable groin injury will force Higashioka into a more normalized role, and that could be ambiguous.

Cashman had choice words for Kyle, though, despite his lack of offensive efficiency last season. He stated that the reserve catcher had “elite power vs lefties.” His three home runs last season and .214 batting average might indicate otherwise. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bombers brought in another catcher to compete for the backup spot.

The Yankees get their spring training schedule:

Yankees pitchers and catchers report: Wed., Feb. 12

Major League pitchers and catchers first workout: Thurs., Feb. 13

Major League position players report: Mon., Feb. 17

First Yankees full-squad workout: Tues., Feb. 18

Click here for yesterday’s news!

New York Yankees targeting top relief pitcher in potential trade

by
New York Yankees, Josha Hader

The most prominent deal of the 2020 offseason was undoubtedly the New York Yankees and Gerrit Cole inking a nine-year, $324 million. The hot stove has calmed in recent days, though, before the Jays landed Hyun-jin Ryu in a four-year, $80 million deal. However, with GM Brian Cashman quietly waiting for his opportunity to pounce, one can never remain complacent during these tumultuous times.

The latest speculation revolves around Milwaukee Brewers’ Josh Hader, who the Yankees have been linked to for weeks now. The star relief arm has made himself an attractive trade target, and the Bombers have plenty of youth capital to part with if the Brewers are willing to give him up in a deal.

MLB Insider Jon Heyman stated:

“Yankees remain interested in Josh Hader and could begin a package with 3B Miguel Andujar (Brewers don’t really have a set 3B),” Heyman tweeted. “Interested teams still aren’t totally convinced Milwaukee would move the star closer though.”

There’s precedent for a deal between the two sides, especially if Andujar is on the table and possibly Clint Frazier. Hader, 25, has only spent three seasons in the big leagues and has four years of team control left on his deal. He has been stellar in short a short period, owning a combined 2.42 ERA, 178 ERA+, 15.3 SO/9, 4.85 SO/BB, and a 2.73 FIP.

Adding him to a bullpen with Zack Britton, Chad Green, and Aroldis Chapman would not only give the Yankees a stellar back-end pitcher, but it would take the pressure off the starting rotation, mitigating fatigue and injury concerns.

The New York Yankees would have to part with a potential star:

The downside to this tentative deal would be the loss of Andujar, who logged 27 HR, 47 doubles, and a .855 OPS in his rookie season. At just 24-years-old, Andujar has plenty of time to reach his potential and find his preferred defensive spot. His issues at third base are apparent, but the Yankees haven’t ruled out moving him to a different place to supplement his deficiencies on the hot corner.

New York Yankees news, rumors: Josh Hader talks still going on, Miguel Andujar could be on his way out

by
New York Yankees, Miguel Andujar

As the offseason progresses and we continue to hear chatter through the grapevine, it’s only fair to assume New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman is not done making moves. After the behemoth signing of Gerrit Cole on a nine-year, $324 million deal, it was expected that the Yanks wouldn’t be looking to make any more significant moves unless it favored the salary cap.

However, they didn’t say anything about trading for players who are still under team control and on friendly deals.

This leads us into our Yankees rumors/news of the day:

Josh Hader:

Jon Heyman – Yankees remain interested in Josh Hader and could begin a package with 3B Miguel Andujar (Brewers don’t really have a set 3B). Interested teams still aren’t totally convinced Milwaukee would move the star closer though.

The Yankees are still in search of Dellin Betances’ replacement, and Hader fits the bill for their retooling in the bullpen. The 25-year-old pitched lights out baseball last season, earning a 2.62 ERA and 0.806 WHIP over 75.2 innings pitched. His injection into the Yankees’ bullpen would not only upgrade the unit significantly, but it would create a balance unprecedented in baseball.

If the Bombers are serious about pursuing Hader, third baseman Miguel Andujar could be a focal point in a theoretical trade. The Brewers don’t have the hot corner spot locked up, which gives Andujar the additional value the Yankees are looking for.

It’s also possible outfielder Clint Frazier could be involved in a potential deal, considering his lack of value to a unit that’s stockpiled with talent and reserves. Frazier will start the season as the No. 5 outfielder behind Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner, and Mike Tauchman. Once Aaron Hicks returns at the midway point in 2020, Frazier will subsequently drop to the 6th spot, making his services virtually useless. Cashing in on his value now might be the best move for the Yankees, who could use more reinforcements at other positions.

Click here for yesterday’s rumors and news!

New York Yankees could still be in on Dellin Betances

by
New York Yankees, Dellin Betances

The New York Yankees have been patient in Dellin Betances’ quest to find a new home on a one-year deal, and while GM Brian Cashman has been quiet on that front, it doesn’t mean he’s not active.

Betances, who was one of the league’s best relief pitchers from 2014-2018, had a rough contract year in 2019, debuting in September to tear his Achilles in his first inning. This usually takes a significant amount of time to heal from, but Betances is hoping he won’t miss much of the 2020 season.

Where are the New York Yankees in the relief pitcher market?

After connections with the Mets fell through, the Minnesota Twins remain interested in the talented righty. However, his price-tag might be too high at $10 million after a slew of injuries crippled him this past season.

This could give the Yankees and Cashman an advantage in free agency, especially if he fails to find a new home in the coming weeks. Not only can Cashman offer him a fair chunk of money, but he would also be returning to a playoff-bound team and a familiar setting.

In 2018, Betances logged a 2.70 ERA with 115 strikeouts over 66 games. It was the first season in four years that he didn’t make the All-Star game, despite having better numbers than the previous two seasons. Taking a low-risk flier on him in 2020 isn’t a bad idea, and the Yankees would be silly not to explore this movement.

Cashman, though, has been dipping his hands into the Josh Hader market, trying to find a way to package several players to draw interest from the Brewers. Per reports, the Yanks are still talking with the Brewers about a potential deal for one of the game’s top relievers, but it will take an army of players to snatch him away from Milwaukee. Hader, 25, logged a 2.52 ERA in 116 games over the last two seasons, averaging 16.1 strikeouts per nine innings. The left-hander would add a diversifying arm to the bullpen, and with his dominant stuff, the Yankees would be further become one of the best team’s in all of baseball.

Again, the cost Hader will likely attract will be exponential, making Betances’ return possible.

 

Why the New York Yankees should back off Josh Hader

by
New York Yankees, Josha Hader

While the Yankees are taking their time with Milwaukee Brewer’s left-handed relief pitcher Josh Hader in a potential trade, there’s reported interest between the two sides that could lead to an agreement. According to NY Post’s Joel Sherman, the Yanks aren’t having “active dialogue” with the Brewers regarding Hader but have serious interest in his talents.

Before the offseason began, owner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman vowed to consider all offers that came across their desk, and they’ve indeed expressed interest in just about everyone. However, Hader has emerged as a surprise candidate to go to the Bronx, but the package deals that are plastered across the internet seem to be far fetched.

One website claims that the Yankees giving up Gleyber Torres and Luis Severino should be enough to land Hader. Yes, you can have your morning chuckle now. One thing is right, though, Cashman would have to part ways with significant talent to land the dominant bullpen arm, and I don’t believe he’s willing to accommodate any wild Brewers requests.

What does this Yankees interest say for Dellin Betances?

Betances is likely on his way out after suffering multiple injuries in 2019, one of which ended his season after a lengthy comeback in September. A torn Achilles tells the story for Betances, who failed to contribute more than two strikeouts on the year, despite the Yankees making the playoffs and climbing to the 100-win mark.

The 31-year-old was one of the best relievers in baseball from 2014-2018, logging a 2.22 ERA and striking out 14.6 batters per nine. He’s in search of a one-year deal to reset his market and earn a significant contract over multiple years. The Yankees aren’t opposed to the idea of bringing him back, but they don’t feel his services are worth the one-time payment he will garner on the open market. They feel comfortable sticking with Chad Green and Zack Britton on the back-end of games, and adding Gerrit Cole will allow the bullpen to rest more frequently.

Should the Yankees remain persistent for Hader?

The reason the Yankees shouldn’t consider Hader is due to his price-tag. At 25-years-old and a 2.52 ERA over two seasons, Josh is still under team control for four more years, which is extremely valuable and will force any team to over-compensate for his services. If the Bombers were smart, they would sit back and make a last-second offer before the close of free agency that’s tailored around the Brewers’ weaknesses. It would have to include at least one top prospect.