Is Josh Hader a Realistic Free Agent Target for Baltimore Orioles?
The Baltimore Orioles will undoubtedly add to their talented roster this winter. The buzz around the league is that the Orioles are looking to bring on experienced pitchers, both in the rotation and the bullpen.
Baltimore wants a top of the rotation guy according to most league experts. The Orioles will also be in the market for a veteran closer who has proven they compete in the brightest of lights and the biggest of moments.
The top closer on the market is Josh Hader.
Hader is no stranger to the Orioles organization. Baltimore drafted the lefty in the 2012 MLB draft in the 19th round. He was then shipped off to the Houston Astros for Bud Norris before eventually finding himself on the Milwaukee Brewers. The rest is history.
But how realistic would it be for the Orioles to bring in Hader?
Many point to the fact that Baltimore like to keep their payroll low as a reasoning for not adding superstars. The reality is that the Orioles are coming out of a deep rebuild and are now reaping the benefits.
Experts believe that Hader could land a deal north of three years and $67 million, at least according to Jim Bowden at The Athletic.
With about $60 million committed in total payroll the Orioles have the ability to add big names in free agency. They could take the route the Texas Rangers did in adding high dollar free agents to supplement a cheap core.
As for Hader, he would anchor Baltimore's bullpen and could propel them to another 100-plus win season and postseason berth.
Even with a massive contract like that, it still gives Baltimore breathing room to add a top rotation piece like Aaron Nola, Michael Wacha or Blake Snell.
As far as how realistic?
This is one of those years where you just might want to believe Mike Elias when he says they are opening the checkbook.
