Report: Brewers open to trading Josh Hader

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Josh Hader has been a key figure on the Brewers as they've competed with the Cubs and Cardinals for the NL Central crown in recent seasons. But could 2020 have been his last season in Milwaukee?

According to MLB insider and FanSided's Robert Murray, the Brewers "intend to listen" to trade offers for their closer this offseason.

Hader, who will turn 27 next season, is one of the top lefty relievers in the game and has been instrumental in Milwaukee making three straight postseason berths, their longest streak in franchise history. Since debuting in 2017, the hard-throwing left-hander holds a 2.54 ERA and sparkling 0.858 WHIP, with a ridiculous 15.3 strikeouts per nine.

Hader has converted 62 of his 77 save chances over that span, often pitching multiple innings. He was dominant in Milwaukee's run to the NLCS in 2018, striking out 12 in 7 2/3 scoreless postseason innings while allowing just five hits and a walk. He finished seventh in NL Cy Young Award voting that season.

With Hader, the Brewers bullpen has been their strength the past few seasons, and he's under club control through 2023. However, he's getting more expensive in arbitration (projected to make $5.65 million in 2021) and his value may never be as high.

The Brewers also have 2020 NL Rookie of the Year and NL Reliever of the Year Devin Williams in their bullpen, another formidable closing option.

Cubs fans certainly won't be unhappy if Hader is traded. For his career, he holds a 2.12 ERA, 0.676 WHIP and 14.3 K/9 against the North Siders.

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