Padres News: Both New York Teams Could Make Way Into Josh Hader Sweepstakes
Josh Hader had a banner year for the San Diego Padres in 2023. In 61 appearances, he secured 32 saves with a 1.28 ERA. With that kind of production, almost any team could stand to benefit from his services.
Reportedly, Hader seeks a larger deal than the five-year $102 million contract the New York Mets gave Edwin Diaz a year ago. However, so far, not much has come out about Hader's market, so it may not be that robust.
Per Andy Martino of SNY, if his market does go down, he could sign with either New York team.
As a Mets aside -- the same goes for them on Hader. He fits both New York teams perfectly, but both are short on starters. If Hader’s price goes down, it’s easier to see him coming into play for the Yankees and Mets, both of whom would improve dramatically by adding him.
Of these two teams, the New York Yankees need the elite bullpen help more. As of now, they will likely turn to Clay Holmes in save situations. Beyond Holmes, they lack depth for high-leverage situations.
The Yankees also need starters. After trading a trio of starters, including Michael King, to the Padres for Juan Soto, Clayton Beeter projects as their fifth starter. So, adding Hader could not only help their bullpen, but shorten games as a whole aiding their starting rotation.
As mentioned above, the Mets already have their closer in Edwin Diaz. Hader would likely not pitch in save situations, which was a reported point of contention between him and the Padres last year.
Adding Hader, for the Mets, would help their starting rotation more than anything. They do have Kodai Senga at the top of their rotation, but their rotation thins quickly afterward with the likes of Tyler Megill and Jose Quintana.
If the lefty's market does indeed drop, maybe A.J. Preller pulls the trigger to bring him back. He did just sign Woo-Suk Go to potentially close games, but the Padres also need rotation help. Adding Hader back into the fold could help add rotational depth without signing another starter.
