Amidst the substantial spending spree by the Dodgers this offseason, there is speculation within the baseball community about the team’s next moves. They’ve already secured two-way star Shohei Ohtani for the designated hitter role and bolstered their starting rotation with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.
While the front office has successfully strengthened the pitching aspect, there’s more to come. The team is still in search of another right-handed outfield bat, and there are indications that they might also be eyeing enhancements to their bullpen.
Recent weeks have seen strong connections between the Dodgers and All-Star free agent closer Josh Hader. Talks surrounding Hader have intensified, with the pitcher aiming for a substantial contract surpassing the 5-year, $102 million deal Edwin Diaz inked with the New York Mets last offseason. Although the Dodgers may be reluctant to match such a high figure, they could enter negotiations on their own terms if the market conditions favor them.
MLB Network’s William Leitch suggests that the Dodgers are a logical landing spot for Hader. Acquiring him would significantly strengthen their bullpen and provide a reliable option for closing out games. Hader’s outstanding performance with the San Diego Padres in the previous season, boasting a 1.28 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over 61 appearances, including 33 saves, makes him an attractive prospect for the Dodgers.
"It does make a certain amount of sense for the Dodgers…"@williamfleitch gives insight on the market for free agents Josh Hader and Cody Bellinger. #HighHeat pic.twitter.com/5SAZ4G0qK4
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 22, 2023
Securing Hader could prompt a shift for reliever Evan Phillips back into his setup man role, a move that might suit him better. While the Dodgers had a formidable bullpen towards the end of the last season, adding Hader would constitute an upgrade and align with their overarching strategy of going all-in this offseason.
Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, has been cautious about committing to significant free-agent contracts for relievers in the past. However, Hader’s exceptional track record as one of the premier closers in baseball could make him an exception. Hader might just be the key piece that Los Angeles needs to enhance their chances of securing another World Series title.