Rangers Most Likely Team To Secure The Services Of the Experienced Star Player As Deal Agreed.
Star closer Josh Hader is currently a free agent, and several top teams are interested in signing him to a deal that would make him the highest-paid reliever in MLB. According to reports, Hader is seeking a contract north of Edwin Diaz’s, which means he’s looking for a deal of over $100 million for five years. The New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers are the three teams reportedly in the mix.
However, there’s a twist. These teams are primarily interested in signing or trading for starting pitchers rather than a closer. CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden mentioned that these teams might “pivot” to Hader if their initial plans for a starting pitcher fall through.
In 2023, Hader had a standout season with the San Diego Padres after being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022. He earned his fifth All-Star selection, securing 33 saves and finishing with impressive stats—a 1.28 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts in 56.1 innings pitched. As a three-time NL Reliever of the Year, Hader is seen as a difference-maker for any team looking to contend for a World Series.
However, the sticking point is whether any team is willing to meet Hader’s contract demands, especially given concerns about high-value contracts for relievers. Hader, who will turn 30 in April, is eager for a long-term deal and a substantial payday. It remains to be seen which team will commit to meeting his asking price.
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Garver spent the past two seasons with the Texas Rangers, serving as the team’s designated hitter during their World Series run this fall. Although he hit .105 with a .490 OPS in the Fall Classic itself, Garver was batting .294 with an .898 OPS in the postseason prior to that point.
He still played his part in lifting the Rangers over the Arizona Diamondbacks, though, driving in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning of Game 5. That broke up Zac Gallen’s shutout and ultimately helped Texas secure its first World Series in franchise history.
In the 2023 regular season, the 32-year-old hit .270 with 19 home runs, 50 RBI, an .870 OPS and a 2.1 WAR in 87 games.
Garver played for the Minnesota Twins from 2017 to 2021. His best season came in 2019, when he hit .273 with 31 home runs, 67 RBI, a .995 OPS and a 4.1 WAR. Despite only appearing in 93 games, Garver won a Silver Slugger that year.
For his career, Garver is a .252 hitter with an .825 OPS and 9.8 WAR. Although he is primarily a catcher, Garver has logged a handful of innings at first base as well.
