MLB Execs Predict Texas Rangers Sign All-Star Closer Josh Hader
The Texas Rangers appeared to shore up their bullpen issues during their magical World Series run, with relievers like José Leclerc and Josh Sborz coming up clutch when it counted most.
That doesn’t mean upgrades aren’t in order.
If the offseason rumor mill is to be trusted, the Rangers could be in line for some All-Star help at the back end of their ‘pen.
The World Series champions are linked prominently to San Diego Padres closer Josh Hader. In fact, the baseball industry believers the free agent is all but headed to Texas, according to a report in USA Today.
The bullpen struggles for Texas throughout the season were well-chronicled. The Rangers blew 33 saves and had a save percentage of just 48%, yet somehow still reached the postseason. (No team in MLB history had previously made the playoffs with a save percentage less than 50%.)
Rangers relievers turned it around in the postseason, with several key performances throughout the franchise’s first march to a World Series title. Leclerc regained the closer role – and the trust that goes with it – and starred in the playoffs.
Still, Hader would be a definite upgrade.
The All-Star left-hander racked up 33 saves across 61 appearances with a 1.24 ERA with the Padres this past season. Hader has 165 career saves and a 2.50 ERA over eight seasons, including the first six with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Rangers have shown a willingness to spend big in the last couple of offseasons. This one should be no different, other than Texas has a championship to defend.