In one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer, the best reliever in baseball has been traded. Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers (57-45) has been traded to the San Diego Padres (57-46) for a group of pitchers and prospects.
Josh Hader’s Success
Josh Hader has been one of the best pitchers in baseball for the past several seasons. Since emerging with the Brewers in 2017 he has proved himself as one of the most elite pitchers. In 316.1 innings he has recorded a 2.48 ERA with 125 saves, 541 strikeouts and 15.4 strikeouts per nine innings. This success has landed him four All-Star game selections and three National League Reliever of the Year awards.
This has been a very interesting season for Hader. He started the season about as perfect as possible with 18 saves in 18 save opportunities. In those 18 games, he did not allow a single run and struck out 26 batters. Unfortunately, July has been rough. Since July 4, he has pitched 8.1 innings where he has allowed 13 runs on 16 hits, five of which were homers.
Despite his recent struggles, he is still one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball. He has been a key piece in the Brewers’ four straight playoff appearances. It is difficult for the Brewers to let him go, but with his success, his price is going up. He will be a free agent after the 2023 season so it was better to get a good return than lose him in free agency and get nothing for him.
Brewers Return
The Padres are in a battle for one of the three Wild Card spots. They have been in need of that game-changing presence in the bullpen and they were more than willing to give up some big pieces to make that happen.
In return for Hader, the Padres loaded off some solid talent. The Crew got relievers Taylor Rogers and Dinelson Lamet as well as the Padres’ #7 and #28 prospects in reliever Robert Gasser and outfielder Esteury Ruiz.
Rogers is in his first season with the Padres after he spent his first six seasons with the Minnesota Twins. His primary role has been as their closer. In 2022 he is 28 for 35 in saves with a 4.35 ERA in 41.1 innings pitched.
Lamet has spent his entire five-year career in San Diego. Over 315.2 innings he has a 4.08 ERA with 410 strikeouts. This has been a down season for him as he has racked up a 9.49 ERA in 12.1 innings with only 16 strikeouts.
Both of these teams are in the hunt for a playoff spot. The Padres are in an excellent position to succeed and claim a coveted Wild Card spot with the addition of Josh Hader. On the other side, the Brewers have built up one of the best bullpens in baseball. Adding Taylor Rogers and Dinelson Lamet will give them extra support as they attempt to win the National League Central for the second straight season.
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