Dodgers ‘Checked In’ On Josh Hader, Never Made an Offer: Report

The Los Angeles Dodgers were combing through the free agent market this offseason for a closer and, perhaps surprisingly, never made an offer for one of the best relievers in the game. However, they did reportedly “check in” on him.

Buster Olney of ESPN reported the Dodgers had Josh Hader in their sights:

The Los Angeles Dodgers checked in, the New York Yankees checked in, other teams checked in. Team doctors reviewed (Hader’s) medical records, which sources from multiple front offices described as “very unusual” because they didn’t reflect the wear and tear normally seen for a reliever with as many years of service as Hader. But no offers.

— via Buster Olney of ESPN.com

Hader experienced one of the most unique free agencies because he operates under self-imposed usage rules. Alongside his agent, Jeff Berry, Hader became the first known reliever to place such strict restrictions on himself. It was all put in place to keep himself healthy.

“From the outside looking in, some people would say it’s selfish; some people feel like players should do what they’re told,” Hader told Olney. “But if I get hurt, I’m not able to work. Sometimes you have to protect yourself.”

Hader didn’t want to be overused without a long-term commitment. Now that he has secured a five-year, $95 million commitment from the Houston Astros, he is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. That includes pitching more than one inning on rare occasions like he did on April 30. It was his first multi-inning appearance since Sept. 7, 2019.

“Any way they want,” Hader said. “They made a commitment to me, and I’ll make a commitment to them.”

The Dodgers, meanwhile, entered the season with incumbent Evan Phillips as their closer. The right-hander was 8-for-8 in save chances with a 0.66 ERA before landing on the injured list with a hamstring strain.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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