Dodgers: Reliever trade targets that would bolster LA’s bullpen

Josh Hader

The Milwaukee Brewers are going through a re-tooling of sorts and are rumored to be listening to offers for Josh Hader.  Everyone knows what happened with Josh Hader and the things he tweeted out were downright awful.  That said, that was many years ago and Hader has owned up to his actions and made no excuses.  He would be a big-time addition to the Dodger bullpen if the Dodgers were able to swing a deal for him.

Hader is projected to earn just $4.6 million for 2020 so he would be a bargain for a reliever of his ability.  While he had a rough Wild Card game outing, he still had a very good season despite blowing seven of his 44 save opportunities.  He held opposing batters to a .155 average and averaged sixteen strikeouts per nine innings pitched.

More from LA Dodgers News

• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be
• Recapping who Dodgers gained and lost in Rule 5 Draft

Josh Hader would replace the role that Julio Urias pitched out of last season since Urias is going to start next season in the rotation.  As the Dodgers have seen firsthand in the postseason, Hader changes the dynamic of games and his ability to lock down a lineup for multiple innings at a time would be huge for a team that resorted to using Clayton Kershaw as a setup reliever in this year’s NLDS.

The cost to acquire Hader in terms of prospects would likely be pretty big given that Josh is under arbitration through the 2023 season.  While it remains to be seen how serious the Brewers are in trading Hader, it should be an inquiry that Andrew Friedman makes at the Winter Meetings.  That would be one way to shore up multiple innings of relief help in a potential postseason game.

These are just some relievers that could be available in trades but they are relievers that would definitely help bolster the Dodger bullpen.  If there is one thing about Andrew Friedman, he always finds under the radar relievers like Dylan Floro and Adam Kolarek.  This winter might be the time for him to trade for a big name reliever.