The San Diego Padres acquired closer Josh Hader in 2022, swinging one of the biggest deals before the deadline. A year later, the All-Star reliever is once again being floated in MLB trade rumors.
Hader, a five-time All-Star selection, is in the midst of another phenomenal season. Already the recipient of the NL Reliever of the Year Award three times (2018, ’19, ’21), he is replicating that production in a contract year.
- Josh Hader stats (2023): 23 saves, 1.00 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 13.5 K/9, 4 H/9
Related: MLB trade tracker
However, the Padres are outside the MLB playoff picture. Barring a quick turnaround in July, Hader will likely be traded as a half-season rental who San Diego is willing to part with before he leaves this winter in free agency.
- Josh Hader contract: $14.1 million salary (2023), 2024 free agent
Let’s examine the best trade destinations for Josh Hader, with the Baseball Trade Values calculator providing some guidance on the value of deals.
Identifying 3 best Josh Hader trade destinations
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers bullpen has been an issue all season. Entering MLB games today, Texas had the sixth-worst bullpen ERA (4.42) in the majors. Of equal concern, Rangers’ relievers rank 20th in strikeout rate (23.2 percent). If the Rangers want to win in October, they need a closer who can be trusted in the 9th inning or critical situations.
- Texas Rangers trade: Yeison Morrobel, Kumar Rocker
- San Diego Padres trade: Josh Hader
A healthy Kumar Rocker might’ve been enough to get Hader. However, the 23-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this season and it added further uncertainty regarding his long-term durability. In exchange for the added risk, San Diego acquires 19-year-old outfielder Yeison Morrobel, who earned a 55 grade for his hit tool with a 50-plus grade for his speed, arm strength and defensive ability in the outfield (MLB.com).
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves hoped acquiring Raisel Iglesias last season would result in a seamless transition for Kenley Jansen’s departure in free agency. While Iglesias has been relatively productive for Atlanta, a 4.08 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP and a .254 batting average allowed suggests there’s a lot of room for improvement. Hader is the best option on the market.
- Atlanta Braves trade: Josh Hader
- San Diego Padres trade: Darius Vines, JR Ritchie, Jesse Franklin V
In this deal, Atlanta parts ways with right-handed pitcher JR Ritchie (Braves’ No. 3 prospect) and fellow righty Darius Vines, both top-seven prospects in the system. Vines could pitch for San Diego by September, while Ritchie provides a long-term upside bet and outfield prospect Jesse Franklin V (No. 13 prospect in Atlanta’s farm system) adds depth for the Padres after several years of trading away dozens of prospects.
Related: Top MLB free agents 2024
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are elated with the production received from Craig Kimbrel. Following some rough stints with the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, Kimbrel (3.15 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) has been excellent as Philadelphia’s closer. However, Kimbrel, Jose Alvarado and Andrew Vasquez have been some of the few bright spots in this bullpen.
- Philadelphia Phillies trade: Hao-Yu Lee, Alex McFarlane, Rickardo Perez
- San Diego Padres trade: Josh Hader
From San Diego’s perspective, Hao-Yu Lee (Phillies’ No. 5 prospect) projects as the long-term starter at second base with an MLB ETA by 2025. The Padres could also use him down the line as a trade chip. Right-handed pitcher Alex McFarlane (No. 8 Phillies’ prospect) is a toolsy 6-foot-3 hurler who could blossom into a premium pitching prospect in the right system. As for Rickardo Perez, the 19-year-old was one of the best international catching prospects in 2021.
For the Phillies, the trade addresses a weakness that has haunted this team for years. Philadelphia would have to manage Kimbrel’s response to being moved into a set-up role or it could use Hader as a multi-inning reliever who sets up Kimbrel. Either way, it would be a key addition for a team that has turned things around since June.
