Bryce Harper’s departure from the Phillies is yet another huge concern for the team

Some MLB experts have suggested since the start of the offseason that the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in signing free agency reliever Josh Hader. However, Philadelphia’s president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, has stated that the team is not interested in bringing in the left-hander.

Should the Phillies pursue Hader this offseason? Absolutely. At the very least, the organization should consider it. Despite the exorbitant price tag, the 29-year-old would be an easy choice for Philadelphia’s closer.

Manager Rob Thomson would not need to use a closer-by-committee strategy with Hader on the squad. In each of the last three seasons, the Millersville, Maryland native has finished in the top ten in saves. The Phillies’ setup reliever would be José Alvarado, while their closer would be Josh Hader.

Hader has been linked to various teams, most recently the Los Angeles Dodgers, but not the Philadelphia Phillies. Nonetheless, the closer is still linked to Philadelphia as a potential candidate. On the MLB Network on December 11, Bo Porter and Matt Vasgersian addressed why the organization should sign the reliever.

Porter commented on why Philadelphia should add Hader this offseason: “When you’re a team that’s knocking on the door for a championship, and you’re looking for this one big piece, if I am [the Phillies] I go after Hader full steam. [He’s] the best reliever on the market. It locks down your eighth and ninth inning with two arms [Alvarado and Hader] that can get both righties and lefties out, and that may just complete your ball club.”

Phillies bullpen hurt them in 2023 postseason

Vasgersian mentioned how the Phillies bullpen struggled at times last postseason. The addition of Hader would strengthen the club at this position. Not having a reliable arm at the back of the bullpen hurt Philadelphia.

Thomson’s strategy at times last postseason was puzzling in terms of how he decided to utilize his relievers. He decided not to make Alvarado the closer when he should have done so, instead putting the inconsistent Craig Kimbrel in save situations. The veteran had much more experience in save situations but was unreliable.

The Phillies’ manager put youngster Orion Kerkering in high-pressure situations that may have overwhelmed him. It was clear at times during the Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, and it became even clearer in the National League Championship Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, that the club lacked a solid arm that the manager could utilize in close circumstances. Hader would be a clear upgrade for the Phillies because he is in his prime and has more experience in save situations than anybody else on the team.

Are the Phillies happy without a top-tier closer?

To the chagrin of Phillies fans who believe the organization should sign an exceptional closer, it appears the team is fine with acquiring a less expensive reliever who is not called Hader. Who is the setup reliever if Alvarado is the closer next season? So, who is Gregory Soto? Strahm, Matt? What about Jeff Hoffman? Kerkering?

By adding the free agent, the guessing games end as to who is the setup and closer. Alvarado is your setup pitcher, and Hader is your closer. There is no debate. To echo Porter’s point, the signing makes the Phillies stronger despite the hefty price tag.

Hader will command the largest contract ever for a reliever. Edwin Diaz agreed to a five-year, $102 million contract last offseason. The left-handed phenom will likely surpass that dollar amount with the next club he signs with. Again, the Phillies don’t appear interested in offering that sort of deal for a closer, unless Dombrowski is fooling everyone.

It’s evident Philadelphia should consider signing Hader, as several writers and members of the media have labeled the closer as a fit for the club. Why do MLB experts continue to feel Hader is a fit for the Phillies? Simply put, because the club has a need at the position.

Despite what appears to be a good fit on paper, Dombrowski and the Phillies seem content with letting the reliever sign elsewhere this winter.