Phillies may be in trade talks for Brewers LHP Josh Hader
By Matt Rappa
The Phillies are reportedly among the teams discussing a trade with the Brewers for All-Star LHP Josh Hader
The Philadelphia Phillies have already added three relievers to their bullpen through trade in recent days — right-handers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree from the Boston Red Sox, as well as right-hander David Hale from the New York Yankees.
So far, the moves have paid off tremendously for the Phillies, who are in the midst of their longest winning streak since the 2018 season. However, with the trade deadline set for 4 p.m. on Monday, August 31, the Phillies may not be done just yet to improving their bullpen.
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According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury, there was a “lot of buzz” on Sunday about the Phillies being one the teams involved in trade talks with the Milwaukee Brewers for All-Star left-handed reliever Josh Hader.
The Phillies interestingly added former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak to their player pool roster on Sunday, which could mean he could be a trade piece in a potential blockbuster trade as acquiring Hader wold be.
Hader, 26, is considered to be one of the best relievers in Major League Baseball. Through 161 career appearances, all with the Brewers, since 2017, the Millersville, Maryland, native has a 11-9 record, 2.39 ERA, and 363-82 strikeout-to-walk ratio spanning just 214 1/3 innings. Also, Hader has a 0.858 career WHIP ratio, allowing just 102 hits in those frames.
Just one of those days.
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) August 30, 2020
Josh Hader and Chris Hook talk about the closer's odd outing Saturday night: pic.twitter.com/39BaVuco2W
The Brewers currently are 15-17 on the season, tied for the second spot in the National League Central division standings. Although it does not appear the Brewers would be sellers at the trade deadline, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that “there’s a growing sentiment among executives” that he will be traded.
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The four-year veteran is still under team control through the 2023 season, so the price would be fairly high to acquire his services — even with his velocity being down this season and coming off of his Saturday outing, yielding an uncharacteristic two runs and five walks.
Hader is a two-time National League Hoffman Reliever Award-winner, as voted by a panel of retired relief pitchers.