Josh Hader Confirmed Dodgers Showed Interest in Him This Offseason
The Los Angeles Dodgers were reportedly considering Josh Hader as a free-agent closer this offseason, and the pitcher confirmed those reports in an interview on Thursday.
Hader told Foul Territory that the Dodgers “were in the room but never really stepped in.”
Ultimately, Hader chose Houston and he detailed why in the video below.
Hader, 29, has five All-Star appearances and was named National League Reliever of the Year three times.
Last season with San Diego, he had a 1.28 ERA and saved 33 games in 56.1 innings. He also struck out 85 batters.
The Dodgers ultimately passed on Hader and re-signed Ryan Brasier to a two-year contract worth $9 million guaranteed. Brasier has the opportunity to make up to $13 million based on performance incentives.
The right-hander was a vital part of the Dodgers’ bullpen during the second half of last season. He appeared in 39 games after being claimed off waivers from the Red Sox. He agreed to a minor league contract and recorded a minuscule 0.70 ERA and 0.72 WHIP.
On paper, the Dodgers made the right decision by not signing Hader. Last season he would not make himself available to pitch multiple innings for the San Diego Padres. Los Angeles uses its bullpen differently every game.
Given Brasier’s success last season in a more versatile role, he made the most sense.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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