Josh Hader can be a free agent this offseason for the primary time in his profession. If he decides to depart the San Diego Padres, one crew is being talked about as a favourite to signal him.
USA At this time’s Bob Nightengale reported in a notes column revealed on Sunday that almost each MLB govt with whom he spoke predicted that the Texas Rangers would signal Hader.
The Rangers are coming off successful the World Collection for the primary time in franchise historical past. Their offense was superior all season and that continued within the playoffs. In addition they received some nice beginning pitching from guys like Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi within the postseason. But when there was one weak point on the crew, it was the bullpen, which the crew tried to deal with by buying and selling for Aroldis Chapman forward of the commerce deadline.
Hader may actually fortify the Rangers bullpen.
Although he pitched poorly after being acquired by the Padres on the commerce deadline in 2022, Hader resumed his dominance in 2023. He had 33 saves and a 1.28 ERA over 56.1 innings in 2023, although he did stroll 30 batters.
The Rangers have Jose Leclerc below contract for 2024, however Chapman and Will Smith are set to be free brokers. They might use some assist in the bullpen, which is why Hader would make sense for them as a left-handed counterpart to Leclerc.
The Padres prolonged Hader a qualifying provide, however he wouldn’t settle for that until he felt a a lot bigger deal was not forthcoming in free company.