Dodgers’ Unrealistic Trade for All-Star Closer That Would Shake Up the MLB Offseason
The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to making bold moves in the MLB offseason.
Whether it’s acquiring a high-profile player, engaging in big-name trades, or pushing the boundaries of player development, the Dodgers’ front office is always looking for ways to improve and maximize their chances of competing for another World Series title.
One area they could potentially target is the bullpen, which has fluctuated in reliability over the past few seasons.
Despite this, the Dodgers have the financial flexibility, farm system depth, and ambition to make a splash in the trade market.
In this article, we’ll explore an unrealistic trade for an All-Star closer that would drastically shake up the MLB offseason.
Although this trade is more of a fantasy scenario—a move that is highly unlikely but would make waves if it were to happen—it’s still fun to speculate how such a trade would impact both the Dodgers and the broader landscape of Major League Baseball.
The Player: Josh Hader (San Diego Padres)
One of the most prominent names in the closer role over the past few seasons is Josh Hader, the left-handed fireballer currently playing for the San Diego Padres.
Hader’s trajectory to superstardom has been nothing short of spectacular, and his resume speaks for itself: multiple All-Star appearances, a dominant career ERA of under 2.50, and an ability to strike out batters at a ridiculous rate. Known for his electric fastball and devastating slider, Hader is one of the most feared closers in the game.
However, the Padres are in a bit of a financial quagmire. Despite having a talented roster with stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts, the Padres have struggled to stay competitive in the postseason, and their front office faces difficult decisions in terms of budget and roster moves.
Hader, while still a dominant closer, is in the final year of his contract and will likely command a significant payday. With the Padres having limited financial flexibility, they may be looking to offload some of their high-priced players, especially if they believe they can’t retain him long-term.
The Dodgers, with their deep pockets and history of making bold trades, could be the perfect suitor for a player like Hader.
Although a move for Hader is highly unlikely given the division rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres, let’s explore the hypothetical scenario in which the trade becomes a reality.
The Trade: Dodgers Acquire Josh Hader for a Package of Prospects and MLB Talent
In this fictional scenario, the Los Angeles Dodgers pull off a blockbuster trade to acquire Josh Hader from the Padres. Let’s break down what such a trade might look like:
Los Angeles Dodgers Receive:
Josh Hader (Closer, San Diego Padres)
San Diego Padres Receive:
Gavin Lux (IF, Los Angeles Dodgers)
Bobby Miller (RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers)
Diego Cartaya (C, Los Angeles Dodgers)
2024 Draft Pick (Compensatory Round)
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Why This Trade Could Be Unlikely, but Intriguing
While this trade would certainly cause shockwaves across the MLB landscape, there are several reasons why it would be considered unrealistic.
1. Rivalry Between the Dodgers and Padres: The first major roadblock to this trade is the division rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres. These two teams have developed a fierce competitive edge over the past few years, with the Padres attempting to dethrone the Dodgers as the best team in the National League West. Divisional trades are always rare in professional sports, and trading a player like Hader, who could potentially be a closer for the Padres’ archrivals, would be a tough pill to swallow for San Diego’s front office. From a strategic standpoint, trading an elite closer like Hader within the division could be seen as giving a direct advantage to a team that is already a postseason powerhouse.
2. Hader’s Free-Agent Status: Hader is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. While he is undoubtedly one of the most dominant closers in the league, giving up a young, controllable talent like Bobby Miller or Diego Cartaya for a player who may only contribute for one year could be seen as a short-sighted decision, especially if the Padres are in a rebuilding or retooling mode. The Padres may prefer to trade Hader to a team in the American League, where they won’t face him in direct competition, or they may prefer to hold onto him in hopes of securing draft compensation or extending him beyond 2024.
3. The Dodgers’ Current Bullpen: The Dodgers already have a strong bullpen, led by closer Evan Phillips and a host of other reliable arms like Brusdar Graterol, Victor González, and Caleb Ferguson. The addition of Hader would certainly elevate their bullpen to an even more elite level, but the Dodgers would likely have to make room for him financially and roster-wise. They would need to part with a few talented pieces from their farm system or MLB roster, and it’s possible that Gavin Lux or Bobby Miller would be more valuable to the Dodgers as future building blocks than as trade assets.
4. San Diego’s Financial Situation: With the Padres already spending heavily on other players like Machado, Tatis, and Bogaerts, they may not be in the best position to offer Hader a long-term extension. This could make trading him away a sensible move in order to free up payroll flexibility for other areas of need, such as bolstering their starting rotation or improving the outfield. However, it would be a bold move, as Hader is one of the best closers in the game, and shipping him off could leave a hole at the back end of the Padres’ bullpen.
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Impact on the Dodgers: How Hader Would Fit
If the Dodgers somehow managed to land Hader, it would be a game-changer for the bullpen. Adding an elite closer like Hader would give the Dodgers arguably the best relief corps in the league. Here’s how it would impact their team:
1. Elite Back-End of the Bullpen: With Hader in the fold, the Dodgers would have one of the most dominant bullpen duos in all of baseball, pairing him with Evan Phillips to form a lights-out late-inning tandem. Phillips, a rising star, is already one of the best setup men in the game, and together with Hader, they would make closing out games a nearly impossible task for opponents.
2. Boost to the Playoff Push: The Dodgers have been consistently one of the best teams in the regular season, but they’ve sometimes struggled in high-leverage postseason situations. A closer like Hader, with experience in high-pressure situations, would provide the Dodgers with a reliable weapon in the postseason, helping them seal wins and avoid bullpen collapses during critical games.
3. Financial Flexibility and Future Concerns: The Dodgers would likely face a payroll squeeze if they were to add Hader. His free-agent status means that the Dodgers could have a one-year window to enjoy his services before he potentially moves on. This would force them to make difficult decisions in terms of roster construction and salary allocation for the future.
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Impact on the Padres: What They Gain in the Trade
The Padres would receive significant value in return for trading Hader, especially if they are looking to rebuild or retool their roster. Here’s how the trade could impact their long-term outlook:
1. Gavin Lux: A promising young infielder with a high ceiling, Lux could serve as the Padres’ everyday second baseman or shortstop, depending on their needs. His ability to get on base and provide solid defense would be a valuable addition to their infield.
2. Bobby Miller: One of the top pitching prospects in baseball, Miller would provide the Padres with a top-tier arm to add to their rotation, offering both youth and upside. His inclusion in the deal would be a clear signal that the Padres are looking toward the future.
3. Diego Cartaya: A highly-rated catcher prospect, Cartaya could potentially replace veteran catchers in San Diego and be a cornerstone piece for the future of the Padres’ lineup.
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Conclusion: A Dream Trade That Shakes Up the Offseason
While this trade scenario is unlikely to come to fruition due to the rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres, the potential impact on the MLB offseason would be immense. Josh Hader’s move to Los Angeles would not only strengthen an already elite bullpen but would also serve as a statement move by the Dodgers’ front office. For the Padres, it would mark a shift toward the future, acquiring young talent that could help revamp their roster in the years to come.
In the real world, trades of this magnitude rarely happen, especially within a division, but the hypothetical trade would undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about moves of the offseason. It would send shockwaves throughout the baseball world, potentially setting the tone for the rest of the winter transactions.
