AJ Preller is a madman. The GM of the San Diego Padres has acquired star closer Josh Hader from the Milwaukee Brewers, sacrificing his own closer to do so. Left-hander Taylor Rogers will now be a key member of the Milwaukee bullpen. Former ace Dinelson Lamet, as well as prospects Robert Gasser, a LHP, and outfielder Esteury Ruiz are headed to the Brewers.
A blockbuster on the eve of the trade deadline. Hader has undeniably been one of the best relief pitchers in baseball, if not the best, since his debut in 2017. He started 2022 off in a ridiculous manner, not allowing a run until June 7th. However, his month of July was awful. Hader allowed five home runs in 9.1 innings, with a 12.54 ERA. Batters had a 1.258 OPS against him. Something could be wrong, or Hader is just going through a slump. For those folks still interested in saves, Hader just passed Rogers for the MLB lead. Hader is still a strikeout machine, with a career 44.1 K%. Not a free agent until after 2023, Hader will improve the Padres bullpen. However, they still need to add another one, having the same amount of impact arms as they did yesterday.
Hader, 28, has a 4.24 ERA with 29 saves, 59 strikeouts, a 3.47 FIP, and a 1.118 WHIP in 34 innings this year. In his MLB career, Hader has a 2.48 ERA with 541 strikeouts, a 2.70 FIP, and a 0.882 WHIP in 316.1 innings pitched.
The Brewers could sneakily make out huge in this trade, thanks to the underlying numbers of Rogers and organizational depth. Set-up man Devin Williams has out-performed Hader this season, and will now share save opportunities with Rogers and Brad Boxberger. Rogers has a much lower walk rate than Hader and has only allowed one home run all season long. His 2.35 FIP is much better. He is not as dynamic as Hader, but is still effective at striking batters out.
Lamet was fourth in Cy Young voting in 2020, but has always dealt with chronic injuries. Now, he has been converted into a relief pitcher. However, his 2022 numbers are horrible, as Lamet has a 2.027 WHIP and a 9.49 ERA in 13 outings. In AAA he has looked significantly better, with just one earned run allowed and 18 strikeouts in 11.2 innings. The talent is there, although the control is not. The Brewers have a history of developing relievers, like Hader and Williams. Lamet could be the next.
Gasser (7) and Ruiz (28) were both ranked on MLB Pipeline’s top Padres prospects list. Drafted in the 2nd round in 2021, Gasser has started in High-A this year, and has good strikeout numbers. Ruiz made his MLB debut this year. He has remarkable minor league numbers, especially in the speed department. That speed could get him on Milwaukee’s postseason roster.
Rogers, 31, has a 4.35 ERA with 48 strikeouts and a 1.113 WHIP in 41.1 innings for the Padres this year. In his MLB career for San Diego and the Minnesota Twins, Rogers has a 3.29 ERA with 409 strikeouts, a 2.93 FIP, and a 1.146 WHIP in 356 innings pitched.
Lamet, 30, has a career ERA of 4.08 with 410 strikeouts, a 3.81 FIP, and a 1.229 WHIP in 315.2 innings pitched.
Gasser, 23, has a 4.18 ERA with 115 strikeouts and a 1.262 WHIP in 90.1 innings pitched for High-A Fort Wayne this season.
Ruiz, 23, has a .556 OPS and one stolen base in 27 Plate Appearances this season. Between AA and AAA this year, he has hit 13 home runs with 60 stolen bases (yes, 60), a .333 average, a .467 OBP, and a 1.028 OPS in 374 Plate Appearances.
CarterHud 