Dodgers Rumors: Starting Pitching Preferred Over Josh Hader
They will probably have the largest payroll, but there is still a spot open in the starting rotation that might go to several other people. The Dodgers may choose to target the next class of free agents or return to the trade market, as they did with Glasnow.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, there have been rumors circulating around Major League Baseball that the Dodgers are linked to some of the best relievers available, but adding a player like Josh Hader to their bullpen isn’t their primary priority.
“He is seeking a transaction north of Edwin Díaz.” That means five years and more than $100 million. At least not as of yet, no club has visited that ballpark. However, the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers are the three clubs that are competing. The intriguing thing about this situation is that it seems like all three of those teams would rather acquire a starting pitcher through trade or signing a starter than a closer.
There are still a lot of starting free agents available, and Shōta Imanaga is a name to watch out for. Regardless of the path they choose, deepening the rotation is still the top goal.
The Dodgers haven’t traditionally put a lot of money into their bullpen, so Hader would be a departure from their current style of play.
Since making his MLB debut, the 29-year-old closer has emerged as one of the game’s most potent relievers. He has recorded 349 career games with 165 saves, 2.50 ERA, and 0.94 WHIP.
However, the Dodgers may be more interested in the back half of the starting rotation, which wouldn’t cost nearly as much as what Hader is probably going to demand in a multi-year contract.
A justification for Josh Hader to join the Dodgers’ bullpen
Since Kenley Jansen left the team, Evan Phillips has taken over as the team’s closer, and the Dodgers have produced a strong bullpen in recent years.
They went from being a Hall of Famer to a man with a lot of potential after the 2021 season. However, in his three years with the Dodgers, Phillips has borne the weight, recording a 1.74 ERA, 152 strikeouts, and 26 saves.
They have been sorely lacking a reliable left-handed alternative who has been consistently reliable for a long time. They would get that by adding Hader, and considering the special window they’ve created, a large contract for a closer wouldn’t be out of the question.
The acquisition of Ohtani and Yamamoto has placed them in a prime position to take advantage of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman’s upcoming contracts. As a result, they feel comfortable offering Hader a large salary.