Are Philadelphia Phillies a Realistic Landing Spot for Josh Hader?

An MLB insider has put the Philadelphia Phillies as a team who would make the most sense to sign Josh Hader, but is that realistic?

One thing that the Philadelphia Phillies have proved in recent years with owner John Middleton is that they're not afraid to spend money on players who they think will help them bring home a World Series championship.

From Bryce Harper to Trea Turner to Zack Wheeler and now to Aaron Nola, the Phillies have proven to be aggressive in free agency.

That's why they have been continually linked to multiple players this offseason as they look to solidify their roster as a true championship contender.

Closer Craig Kimbrel is hitting free agency and Philadelphia seems to have no intention of bringing him back.

So, who will the Phillies turn to in the late innings besides Jose Alvarado?

MLB insider Jon Morosi thinks that they should target the best closer on the market, Josh Hader.

According to MLB.com, "Morosi sees three teams as ideal fits: the reigning World Series-champion Rangers, the Phillies and the Cubs."

His reasoning his that Philadelphia needs to replace Kimbrel, who was their saves leader in 2023. However, the expected price tag for Hader is above $102 million, which is what New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz received in a record deal for a closer.

With the Phillies spending to re-sign Nola and still pursuing another starting pitcher like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, paying that much money for Hader seems unlikely.

Despite some late struggles by their rookie Orion Kerkering in the postseason, he seems poised to become a major factor in their bullpen during 2024.

Relief arms seem to be an area that president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowksi, will look to add in free agency, however, don't expect them to hand out a record-setting contract despite Morosi listing them as a fit.