Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — This trade deadline just got a whole lot more interesting. The Dodgers’ closest divisional rival just made a monster move, one that could either put them on the fast track to the World Series or blow up in their faces.
Our neighbors to the south traded deposed closer Taylor Rogers, pitcher Dinelson Lamet, and prospects Esteury Ruiz and Robert Gasser for Josh Hader, the All-Star closer for the Brewers. What that means for the NL West race, and the NL playoffs in general is an open question.
First, let’s state the obvious, the Padres gave up a lot to get the services of Hader. Two names off your big league roster, plus two prospects is a hefty price to pay for one player even a pitcher like Hader. They do have an additional year of control, so get used to that wild mane coming out of the bullpen in tight games with the Dodgers for the next year and a half.
However, there has been a DRASTIC reduction in Hader’s effectiveness in the last few weeks. After an amazing and almost unhittable start to the year, the season has gone south on him. In his last 30 appearances, the righty is 1-4 with a 5.33 ERA with a couple of blown saves thrown in there. That is not great.
On the other hand, Hader has had an elite career for most of his 5+ seasons in the Show. His 1.23 ERA last season with 34 saves and a fantastic 0.84 WHIP is borderline legendary. Can Hader rediscover the magic potion that he used last year? Or is the Josh Hader we’ve seen over the last month what the Padres (and the Dodgers) can expect from him?
Only time will tell. But I will say this. The thought of Hader on the Padres would have terrified me a month ago. Now, not so much….
