Phillies news and rumors 11/14: Phillies reportedly among ‘strong candidates’ for Josh Hader

Josh Hader is a free agent. (Don Otto/Phillies Nation)

The Phillies are reportedly in the mix for one of this winter’s best free-agent relievers.

Philadelphia and the Texas Rangers are “strong candidates” for left-hander Josh Hader in free agency, according to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi in a television appearance on Hot Stove.

Hader, 29, is coming off a dominant season with the San Diego Padres as he fortified the back of their bullpen in an otherwise disappointing season. In 61 games, he posted a 1.28 ERA with 33 saves across 56 1/3 innings.

A traditional ninth-inning closer at this veteran stage of his career, Hader could be a significant upgrade for the Phillies over Craig Kimbrel, who struggled in the playoffs. The lefty would be another weapon in a bullpen with real firepower, potentially making Philadelphia’s relief unit one of the best in Major League Baseball in 2024

Hader will likely have a steep asking price, however, and will cost further compensation to sign as the Padres extended him a qualifying offer. For that reason, perhaps the Rangers may be a more likely destination for the pitcher, as the Phillies will need to spend resources on the top of the starting rotation this offseason. MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Hader would get a six-year contract worth $110 million, with all three of the MLBTR writers predicting he’d sign in Texas.

Still, the Phillies’ reported interest in signing Hader and continuing to stack their bullpen makes sense, even if a deal between the two sides may not be all that likely.

Must-read (or watch) Phillies content

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

  1. Phillies Nation Roundtable: Aaron Nola Contract Predictions
  2. Bryce Harper’s Camp Continues To Hint At Desire For Contract Extension With Phillies
  3. ‘Several GMs’ Predict Rangers Will Sign Aaron Nola
  4. Some GMs Reportedly Believe Phillies Will Let Aaron Nola Walk, Pivot To Blake Snell
  5. 5 Trade Candidates For Phillies To Consider If Aaron Nola Departs In Free Agency
  6. Could Johan Rojas Open 2024 In Triple-A?
  7. Dave Dombrowski: Phillies ‘Hope To Have Zack Wheeler In Our Organization For Years To Come’
  8. Bryce Harper’s Defensive Future Is Great Mystery Of The Phillies Offseason
  9. Phillies Don’t Plan To Flip Trea Turner, Bryson Stott In Middle Infield
  10. Phillies Don’t Believe Taijuan Walker Relationship Is Fractured
Share
Ty Daubert

Ty is a writer for Phillies Nation, covering the minor-league system and Phillies news.

Get throwback Phillies styles from Shibe Vintage Sports in Center City Philly