Could the Los Angeles Dodgers have a 2025 rotation with Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and then All-Star closer Josh Hader finishing games? That seems to be the team’s plan and they are looking like the odds-on favorite to land the San Diego Padres veteran in MLB free agency soon.
Last weekend was a great moment for the Dodgers franchise. This offseason offered, arguably, the greatest and most expensive chase in free agent history and LA came out the victors when they inked two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to a massive 10-year, $700 million contract.
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However, while that would certainly be enough to satisfy their fanbase as they add the American League MVP to a roster that won the National League West this season, the Dodgers are far from done chasing stars in free agency.
Earlier this week it was reported that the organization met with the top pitcher on the market, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and delivered a pitch that included appearances from Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and the 25-year-old’s World Baseball Classic teammate Ohtani.
Los Angeles Dodgers becoming favorites to sign Josh Hader
The three-time Nippon Professional Baseball MVP is expected to land a contract worth around $300 million. Ohtani and Yamamoto should then be enough if they can get the pitcher to put pen to paper on a contract right? Not so fast, because the Dodgers reportedly are interested in landing the best closer on this year’s market as well.
- Josh Hader stats (2023): 33 saves, 85 SO, 56.1 IP, 1.28 ERA, 1.101 WHIP
Last week, Sports Illustrated MLB insider Tom Verducci reported that the Dodgers intend to keep spending this offseason since Ohtani’s deferral-filled contract allows them a lot more flexibility to do so and that five-time All-Star Josh Hader is at the top of that list.
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Following that report, USA Today league insider Bob Nightengale claimed that based on recent developments, the Dodgers are quickly becoming favorites to sign the star closer.
“The Phillies would seem to be a natural fit, but they have no interest. The Texas Rangers could badly use him but say they don’t have the cash. It could leave Hader falling in the Dodgers’ lap,” Nightengale wrote.
