As of right present, the Texas Rangers are regarded as the “heavy favorite” to sign the best closer available as a free agency. Josh Hader, a free agent closer for the San Diego Padres, is thought to be wanted by the Philadelphia Phillies, but the organization has “shown little appetite” to try and sign him, according to a report published on Sunday by USA Today.
Subsequently, on Sunday, the Phillies and pitcher Aaron Nola, who was linked to the Rangers throughout his free agency, reached an agreement on a $172 million, seven-year contract.
So, now, a path may be clear for the Rangers to address their biggest need as they gear up for their World Series title defense in 2024 — closer.
The Rangers should be prepared to pay. Reportedly, Hader and his agent are seeking to beat the five-year, $102 million deal that New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz signed last offseason.
But the Rangers would be getting one of the most reliable ninth-inning arms in the game and one who won’t turn 30 until next April.
Hader turned into a bullpen star in 2018, when he became an All-Star for the first time, going 6-1 with a 2.43 ERA and racked up 12 saves.
Since then, Hader has gone to four more All-Star Games, including 2023, and has gone 20-21 with a 2.50 ERA and 165 saves.
The Rangers were 27th in MLB with 30 saves. Worse, the Rangers had 63 opportunities. They had more blown saves than saves in 2023, and they not only became the first team to make the playoffs converting fewer than 50 percent of save opportunities, they also won the World Series.
The Rangers picked up José Leclerc’s contract option for 2024, but he only had four regular-season saves. Their saves leader, Will Smith, is a free agent. He had 22.
Hader could provide the Rangers rotation with a great deal of security in 2024, regardless of how it is assembled.
