Philadelphia Phillies: 5 unrealistic holiday wishes for fans
By Matt Rappa
4. Phillies acquire Josh Hader from Brewers.
The 2020 Phillies bullpen finished with a 7.06 ERA — the second-highest bullpen ERA since the earned runs statistic was tracked starting in 1912. The 1930 Phillies hold the infamous record with an 8.16 ERA. Following the 2020 Phillies are the 1936 A’s (6.81) for the third-highest, and the 2020 Rockies (6.77) and 1936 St. Louis Browns (6.75) for the fourth- and fifth-highest.
The Phillies clearly need to make several upgrades in their bullpen this offseason. Perhaps new pitching coach Caleb Cotham alone will contribute to a better showing in 2021 as well. One way the club can ensure its bullpen does not implode in consecutive years is through acquiring one of the best relievers in the game — Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 26-year-old may have had a down year in 2020 and saw his career ERA rise from 2.42 to 2.54, but even then that figure would have made all the difference for a 2020 bullpen that ultimately cost the Phillies a postseason spot for the first time since the 2011 season — especially considering they finished just one game out of the race.
Even with a down year, Hader still had an ERA shy of 3.80 and his fourth-straight season with a WHIP ratio less than 1.000. Also, he recorded a National League-best 13 saves.
Acquiring Hader from the Brewers would likely acquire a significant trade package that includes some of the top-ranked Phillies prospects. Would new team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and general manager Sam Fuld want to part with any of those for Hader?