While the Yankees are taking their time with Milwaukee Brewer’s left-handed relief pitcher Josh Hader in a potential trade, there’s reported interest between the two sides that could lead to an agreement. According to NY Post’s Joel Sherman, the Yanks aren’t having “active dialogue” with the Brewers regarding Hader but have serious interest in his talents.
Before the offseason began, owner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman vowed to consider all offers that came across their desk, and they’ve indeed expressed interest in just about everyone. However, Hader has emerged as a surprise candidate to go to the Bronx, but the package deals that are plastered across the internet seem to be far fetched.
One website claims that the Yankees giving up Gleyber Torres and Luis Severino should be enough to land Hader. Yes, you can have your morning chuckle now. One thing is right, though, Cashman would have to part ways with significant talent to land the dominant bullpen arm, and I don’t believe he’s willing to accommodate any wild Brewers requests.
What does this Yankees interest say for Dellin Betances?
Betances is likely on his way out after suffering multiple injuries in 2019, one of which ended his season after a lengthy comeback in September. A torn Achilles tells the story for Betances, who failed to contribute more than two strikeouts on the year, despite the Yankees making the playoffs and climbing to the 100-win mark.
The 31-year-old was one of the best relievers in baseball from 2014-2018, logging a 2.22 ERA and striking out 14.6 batters per nine. He’s in search of a one-year deal to reset his market and earn a significant contract over multiple years. The Yankees aren’t opposed to the idea of bringing him back, but they don’t feel his services are worth the one-time payment he will garner on the open market. They feel comfortable sticking with Chad Green and Zack Britton on the back-end of games, and adding Gerrit Cole will allow the bullpen to rest more frequently.
Should the Yankees remain persistent for Hader?
The reason the Yankees shouldn’t consider Hader is due to his price-tag. At 25-years-old and a 2.52 ERA over two seasons, Josh is still under team control for four more years, which is extremely valuable and will force any team to over-compensate for his services. If the Bombers were smart, they would sit back and make a last-second offer before the close of free agency that’s tailored around the Brewers’ weaknesses. It would have to include at least one top prospect.