Josh Hader

Is Josh Hader Even Viable for the New York Yankees?

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New York Yankees, Josha Hader

Rumors are running rampant about whether the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers will finalize a deal for the Yankees to acquire left handed relief pitcher Josh Hader. The deal makes some sense, as the Yankees seem to think that they need to bolster their already strong bullpen with a lefty to compliment Zack Britton. But does it truly work?

Hader’s Stats and the Brewer’s Needs

Hader has put on a strong showing in his 3 years pitching pro ball. But how much more time does he have before he’s completely found out as a relief pitcher? His ERA has been steadily climbing each of the last 3 seasons, his hits allowed are rising, he gave up 15 home runs last season, walked 20, and allowed 22 ER. Did I mention that this guy is the Brewer’s closer? It’s a completely different animal coming in during the 6th inning than the 9th. Even with Chapman’s inconsistencies in October, you’re not trading Hader for his skill set late in games. (baseball-reference.com)

The New York Yankees have players the Brewer’s need. Frazier isn’t needed on the Yankees, and with Yellich’s injury last season, and Braun’s age, the Brewer’s can utilize Clint Frazier brilliantly. I think giving up Miguel Andujar now would be a mistake, as he can be used for a later season trade for someone like Corey Kluber. But after losing Mike Moustakas to rival Cincinnati, getting help at third is something the Brewers would need. Not to mention Tyler Wade/Thairo Estrada can be used to sweeten the deal. But no doubt questions will be asked about Chance Adams, Devi Garcia, or any number of other pitching prospects we have. 

Yes… this is the package the Yankees will need to put together for a 26 year old reliever who’s letting the league catch up to him.

Is It Worth It?

Remember all the racist, homophobic and sexist tweets from Hader’s youth we discovered in 2018? Why pursue someone with that kind of baggage when we could just simply, say, offer Dellin Betances a one year contract to bolster the bullpen? And the package of prospects that the Brewer’s will be demanding, on top of Hader’s seemingly obvious decline, it doesn’t seem worth it now before pitchers and catchers even report. This should be a January deal, at the utmost earliest, if it gets done at all.

New York Yankees rumors: Josh Hader, J.A. Happ, lefty bat needed

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New York Yankees, J.A. Happ

When the New York Yankees rejected the qualifying offer of Didi Gregorius and subsequently let him walk in free agency, they also allowed one of their only lefty bats to depart. Featuring only Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks, Mike Ford, and Mike Tauchman as lefty hitters, three of which are reserve options and the other recovering from Tommy Johns surgery, the Bombers need to supplement the lack of diversity in the batting order.

Chasing a reliable free agent might make the most sense. Two options on the market are Justin Smoak and Mitch Moreland, both of whom would slide in as reserve options as well. Realistically, the Yanks have a plethora of talent at every position and high priced players they are inclined to start. Unfortunately, they all happen to be right-handed hitters, which isn’t a bad thing by any means, but it gives opposing teams a better opportunity to match pitchers up against them.

Here are the latest New York Yankees rumors of the day:

J.A. Happ: The Yankees are actively shopping Happ, who posted an abysmal 4.91 ERA in 2019. Cleaning his $17 million off the salary cap would give the team more room to fit Gerrit Cole’s bloated contract ($36 million per season). As the projected No. 5 starter, he’s easily expendable, as the Yankees have several options that can fill the void if need be.

Josh Hader: The Yankees have been engaged with the Brewers regarding Hader for a few days now, but nothing has seemed to progress. They will undoubtedly be asking for an excellent return that would include top youth talent, something the Yanks are necessarily eager to give up. However, at 25-years-old, Hader has posted a 2.52 ERA over 116 games in the last two seasons. Averaging 16.1 strikeouts per nine innings, he’s a formidable talent that would compensate significantly for the loss of Dellin Betances (expected). The Brewers have control over Hader for four more years, so the price on his head will be significant.

Justin Smoak: Just two years ago, Smoak made an All-Star appearance, hitting .270 with 38 homers over 158 games. He’s a capable slugging switch hitter that could serve a real purpose for the Yankees, especially regarding the diversification of the batting order. He has hit double-digit homers in eight of his last nine seasons, which would indicate that he fits the Yankees model perfectly. Smoak also plays first base, which could be useful if Cashman is keen on providing Luke Voit with a bit of competition.

Dan Federico:

Romine was a great backup for a long time, but he wanted a chance to possibly start. Will get the opportunity in Detroit. I know Maldonado is the hot name but the Yankees love Kyle Higashioka, who is an top-tier pitch framer, has upside as a hitter and is out of options

 

New York Yankees rumors: Josh Hader, Dallas Keuchel, Hyun-jin Ryu

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New York Yankees looking into Hyun-jin Ryu?

The New York Yankees have already started their offseason lavishly with the signing of star pitcher Gerrit Cole, but it doesn’t seem as if they’re prepared to walk away with a bounty of riches already in tow. General manager Brian Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner have been open to considering any pieces that can help the Yankees reach the World Series in 2020. That probability undoubtedly sky-rocker the very moment Cole agreed to a nine-year, $324 million contract.

However, there’s still work to be down, as Cashman remains engaged with pitches Josh Hader (trade), Dallas Keuchel, and Hyun-jin Ryu. Sprinkle in a bit of Madison Bumgardner, and you have to wonder, what’s Cashman’s motive staying in the pitching market.

We can assume Dellin Betances is likely on his way out considering his slew of injuries and torn Achilles last season. The Bombers seem more intrigued by the idea of a multi-year deal rather than a one-year “prove it” agreement. With the market always expanding and becoming more expensive, locking down players for numerous years theoretically should save them money in the future.

Here are the latest New York Yankees rumors of the day:

MLB Marathon: #Yankees remain in contact with representatives of Ryu, Keuchel, and Bumgarner. Ryu and Keuchel of course represented by Boras corp. Even after signing Cole, Yanks looking to add to rotation. #MLB

Jon Heyman: Yankees are among teams to talk to Brewers about Josh Hader, as

@Ken_Rosenthal reported. NYY does have the players to make it work. No sense from teams yet Milwaukee is motivated to move him. But they are talking.

 

MLB Marathon: #Indians Corey Kluber likely to be traded before Christmas. Momentum has picked up in talks for the right hander. #Padres, #Yankees, #Rangers, others remain engaged. No clear front runner as of yet.

Jon Heyman: Corey Kluber trade market is very active. Multiple teams in. Some may prefer to wait till spring to gauge progress, but interest is strong. Much more likely to be dealt than Lindor, and perhaps soon.

@ByRobertMurray mentioned 1st today

 

 

New York Yankees rumors: Josh Hader, Dellin Betances, Madison Bumgarner

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New York Yankees, Josha Hader

The New York Yankees haven’t backed down from pursuing multiple top free-agent options this offseason and having already secured Gerrit Cole on a nine-year, $324 million deal; you’d expect GM Brian Cashman to begin shying away from high priced targets.

Immediately after Cole was signed, the Bomers solidified a new contract with veteran outfielder Brett Gardner, bringing him back for a 13th season. He nearly doubled his 2019 commitment, as he will earn $12.5 million with a 2021 option for $10 million. Gardner had a career-best 2019 in several categories, including home runs (28) and RBIs (74).

Nonetheless, the Yankees have reportedly been interested in relief option Josh Hader, retaining Dellin Betances, and even check in on Madison Bumgarner, despite having already signed the best pitcher in baseball.

It’s possible the Yankees unload a few big pitching contracts, like J.A. Happ, to open up more salary-cap space.

Here are your latest New York Yankees rumors:

YES Network: Josh Hader would be a nice addition to the Yankees bullpen, says @JackCurryYES

MLB Network: The #Yankees are reportedly pursuing #Brewers reliever Josh Hader. @Ken_Rosenthal

Dan Federico: Heard from a source earlier that the Mets are pushing hard for a one year contract with Dellin Betances. Yankees still have interest. @ByKristieAckert says it’s unlikely he returns to the Bronx

The Official Simonetti Source: The #Yankees have kept engaged with representatives for Madison #Bumgarner even after the #Cole signing.

Letting Betances walk in free agency might be in the best interest of the New York Yankees, considering he missed all of 2019 with shoulder injuries and then a torn Achilles. On a one-year deal, Betances might be over-priced, and manager Aaron Boone managed well with the pitchers he had in the bullpen.

Supplementing his loss with an option like Josh Hader would undoubtedly give the bullpen a sizeable boost, but they could also let him walk an rely on youth options like Michael King and Deivi Garcia.

Yesterdays rumors!

New York Yankees: Josh Hader catching eyes from the Bronx

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New York Yankees, Josha Hader

Even after the New York Yankees added the best pitcher in all of Major League Baseball, Gerrit Cole, to their rotation, Brian Cashman and the front office may not be done yet. There are rumors that Josh Hader from the Milwalkee Brewers is on the Yankees list to potentially land in a trade.

You may be asking, why in the world do the New York Yankees need another reliever? They already have one of the best, if not the best, bullpens in the Major Leagues. Well, it’s because why not? The Yankees know that this season is a must-win year, and adding Hader would give them even more depth to an already-highly talented bullpen.

Hader posted a 2.62 ERA with 37 saves and 138 strikeouts last season over 75.2 innings pitched. If he were to join the Yankees, between him and Chapman and Britton, there’d always be a premier closer available essentially every game.

This is what Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic had to say about a potential Hader trade:

The Yankees’ interest in Hader, at least, reflects their willingness to further strengthen a bullpen that already includes left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman, lefty Zack Britton and righties Adam Ottavino, Chad Green and Tommy Kahnle. The Yankees also were engaged on free-agent reliever Blake Treinen, who agreed Wednesday to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Dodgers.

What could the trade look like?

The Brewers are in need of a third baseman, so that could potentially mean Miguel Andujar is a trade option. The Brewers’ farm system is also dry, so a few Yankee prospects would fit their needs as well.

Marisnick trade paves way for Mets’ quest to acquire Josh Hader

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New York Yankees, Josha Hader

Heading into this offseason, two of the New York Mets’ major objectives were to find an everyday centerfielder and to work on fortifying their leaky bullpen.

Today, by adding CF Jake Marisnick in a trade with the Houston Astros for prospects they won’t miss, they’ve covered both needs. If Marisnick is going to be the primary centerfielder for the Mets in 2020, it means Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo will strictly be corner outfielders and J.D. Davis will likely be the odd man out.

That also clouds Jeff McNeil’s status as an outfielder. He will likely be a rover, playing outfield, second base and some third base which is nothing new to McNeil.

The addition of Marisnick gives the Mets the latitude and ammunition to trade for Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader, a former client of Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen during his days as an agent for CAA. Davis could be the piece that tilts the deal in the Mets’ favor.

The Mets will miss Davis but Marisnick gives them more of what they need in terms of being a total player plus, in Hader, the steady bullpen star they hoped they were getting with Edwin Diaz.  The 25-year old Hader has a 2.52 ERA over the past two seasons with 281 strikeouts over 157 innings.

It will likely take more than Davis to land Hader, however, but that won’t deter BVW. He has no qualms with trading away any of the Mets’ prospects who the previous regime invested in. He is building the organization with his own people od which Hader is one.

New York Mets a “Team to Watch” on Josh Hader

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New York Yankees, Josha Hader

The New York Mets are looking to upgrade their bullpen this offseason, and they have interest in the Milwaukee Brewers star closer, Josh Hader.

According to reports by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and SNY’s Andy Martino the Mets have interest in trading for Josh Hader. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the Mets’ bullpen is one of their biggest weaknesses.

What is surprising is that the Milwaukee Brewers are even considering trading. Hader is one of the elite relief pitchers in baseball and has been since he debuted in 2017. In his three years in the league, Hader has been an All-Star twice and finished top-10 in Cy Young voting.

Hader did run into issues in 2019 with the home run ball like most pitchers, but he was able to get around it. He allowed 1.8 HR/9 but kept his ERA down to 2.62. The Scary thing about Hader is that his control and stuff seems to be getting better every year. His K/9 has increased every year of his career and was at 16.2 K/9 last season, while his walks have decreased every year and were down to just 2.4 BB/9 last season.

From a talent standpoint, Hader seems a lock to continue being an elite reliever. There is no reason to believe he is due for any regression in the near future.

The price for Hader would be steep though. Andy Martino speculates that Hader would cost the Mets at least one of JD Davis or Dom Smith as a centerpiece. It would likely take more than just one of them to finish the deal though, the Mets would likely have to part with a top prospect along with one of them.

A potential Hader deal would likely cost the Mets something in the park of JD Davis and Andres Gimenez for Josh Hader. That’s a lot to give up for a reliever, especially after the Mets decimated their farm system trading for Marcus Stroman, Robinson Cano, and Edwin Diaz last season.

Whatever the case may be, the New York Mets seem to be in the thick of the Josh Hader hunt. This is certainly something to keep an eye on as the offseason rolls along. Especially at the Winter Meetings next week.