The Blue Jays bullpen is all but set in stone for the 2024 season, but could you imagine if they added one of the best bullpen arms in the game? 

This is a free agent profile, where we take a look at the players on the open market this winter and whether or not they would be fits for the Blue Jays. In this article, we’re going to take a look at Josh Hader, who could sign the largest contract for a closer in baseball history this off-season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Josh Hader has 153 saves over the last five seasons, the most in the majors.
And his 89.0% save percentage over that span is tied for the best in MLB among pitchers with at least 50 games finished.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLB</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padres?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padres</a> <a href="https://t.co/DweNFzEpzx">pic.twitter.com/DweNFzEpzx</a>
&mdash; Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) <a href="https://twitter.com/baseball_ref/status/1729243703171068094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2>Josh Hader’s 2023:</h2>
After a rough 2022 season, which saw the lefty post a 5.22 ERA between the Brewers and Padres, Hader’s first full season in San Diego was a great one. He posted a 1.28 ERA and a 2.69 FIP in 56 1/3 innings pitched with 33 saves. To go along with that, Hader had a 36.8 K% and struck out 13/6 batters per nine. 
Hader established himself as one of baseball&#8217;s best closers during his six seasons in Milwaukee but hit a blip in 2022, a season in which he was traded from the Brewers to San Diego. During that year, he posted a 5.22 ERA and a 3.45 FIP in 50 innings pitched, along with a 37 K% and a 9.6 BB%. Hader was traded to the Padres for Taylor Rogers, Dinelson Lamet, Esteury Ruiz, and pitching prospect Robert Gasser because Milwaukee ultimately didn&#8217;t want to pay his eventual raise in arbitration. 
Rough year aside, Hader is still amongst the game&#8217;s best closers. For his career, he has a 2.50 ERA and a 2.73 FIP in 388.2 innings pitched. He has 165 career saves and has only blown 25 of them. 
<h2>Josh Hader’s contract:</h2>
Relievers aren’t often extended qualifying offers, but due to his great season and large track record, the Padres felt it was necessary to give Hader one, which he declined. This means that any team that signs Hader will lose a second-round pick.
With all being said, Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicts that Hader will earn a three-year deal worth $67 million, which equates to $23.3 million a season. <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/2023-24-top-50-free-agents-with-predictions.html">MLB Trade Rumors</a> believes he’ll sign a longer-term deal, six years at $110 million, which is $18.3 million a season.
Edwin Diaz signed the biggest contract for a closer in MLB history with the Mets worth $102 million over five years and it looks like Hader will break that this winter. I guess that’s the price you pay for one of the best closers of our generation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Which teams are in on Josh Hader? <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jonmorosi</a> lists two clubs he sees at the forefront of the sweepstakes and an interesting potential reunion for the left-hander. <a href="https://t.co/pdpzghwQaj">pic.twitter.com/pdpzghwQaj</a>
&mdash; MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1727522607283552467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2>Is Josh Hader a fit for the Blue Jays:</h2>
Honestly, probably not. As it stands, the Blue Jays’ bullpen is solidified with Jordan Romano, Tim Mayza, Erik Seanson, Génesis Cabrera, Yimi García, Chad Green, Trevor Richards, and one of Mitch White or Bowden Francis, as well as a ton of depth in the upper minors that could contribute.
While Hader is a fantastic pitcher and would make one of the league’s bullpen significantly better, it feels like the money is better spent elsewhere, specifically on an outfielder or third baseman.
<hr />
As always, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads @Brennan_L_D.
<hr />
<h2 class="mb-5 text-2xl font-bold">Previously…</h2>
<ul class="mb-5 list-disc pl-8">
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-shohei-ohtani-is-this-winters-top-free-agent-despite-off-season-elbow-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Shohei Ohtani is this winter’s top free agent despite off-season elbow surgery</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-the-blue-jays-pursued-cody-bellinger-last-winter-and-likely-will-again-this-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: The Blue Jays pursued Cody Bellinger last winter and likely will again this year</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-yoshinobu-yamamoto-finished-his-npb-career-with-one-of-the-best-starts-in-japan-series-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Yoshinobu Yamamoto finished his NPB career with one of the best starts in Japan Series history</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-two-time-all-star-tim-anderson-is-on-the-open-market-after-the-white-sox-declined-his-option" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Two-time All-Star Tim Anderson is on the open market after the White Sox declined his option</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-teoscar-hernandez-said-before-the-trade-deadline-that-hed-be-open-to-a-return-to-the-blue-jays" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Teoscar Hernández said before the trade deadline that he’d be open to a return to the Blue Jays</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-lourdes-gurriel-jr-is-on-the-open-market-following-his-first-all-star-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is on the open market following his first All-Star season</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-the-blue-jays-are-apparently-interested-in-outfielder-michael-a-taylor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: The Blue Jays are apparently interested in outfielder Michael A. Taylor</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-slugger-jorge-soler-could-give-the-blue-jays-some-much-needed-pop-in-their-lineup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Slugger Jorge Soler could give the Blue Jays some much-needed pop in their lineup</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-slugger-jorge-soler-could-give-the-blue-jays-some-much-needed-pop-in-their-lineup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Slugger Jorge Soler could give the Blue Jays some much-needed pop in their lineup</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-a-joey-votto-homecoming-is-a-possibility-this-winter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: A Joey Votto homecoming is a possibility this winter</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-bryce-harper-moving-to-first-base-means-rhys-hoskins-time-with-the-phillies-is-over" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Bryce Harper moving to first base means Rhys Hoskins’ time with the Phillies is over</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-jeimer-candelario-is-among-the-blue-jays-replacement-options-if-matt-chapman-doesnt-re-sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Jeimer Candelario is among the Blue Jays’ replacement options if Matt Chapman doesn’t re-sign</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-slugger-j-d-martinez-is-back-on-the-market-after-a-rebound-year-with-the-dodgers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Slugger J.D. Martinez is back on the market after a rebound year with the Dodgers</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-another-slugger-is-on-the-market-as-the-brewers-non-tendered-rowdy-tellez" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Another slugger is on the market as the Brewers non-tendered Rowdy Tellez</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-blake-snell-is-just-the-seventh-pitcher-to-win-a-cy-young-in-both-leagues" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Blake Snell is just the seventh pitcher to win a Cy Young in both leagues</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-former-gold-glove-winner-harrison-bader-is-a-defence-first-option-for-the-outfield" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Former Gold Glove winner Harrison Bader is a defence-first option for the outfield</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-yokohama-baystars-expected-to-post-shota-imanaga-by-monday" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Yokohama BayStars expected to post Shota Imanaga by Monday</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-justin-turner-declined-his-player-option-after-a-successful-season-with-the-red-sox" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Justin Turner declined his player option after a successful season with the Red Sox</a></li>
<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-canadian-james-paxton-is-again-a-free-agent-after-working-back-from-tommy-john-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Canadian James Paxton is again a free agent after working back from Tommy John surgery</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-marcus-stroman-is-back-on-the-market-after-opting-out-of-his-contract-with-the-cubs">Free Agent Profile: Marcus Stroman is back on the market after opting out of his contract with the Cubs</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h2 class="mb-5 text-2xl font-bold" style="text-align: center;"><a class="text-accent" href="https://gml-grp.com/C.ashx?btag=a_24038b_2065c_&amp;affid=7966&amp;siteid=24038&amp;adid=2065&amp;c=" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO</a></h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-61491" src="https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/Betano_ON_Base_727x404-1.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" srcset="https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/Betano_ON_Base_727x404-1.png 727w, https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/Betano_ON_Base_727x404-1-300x167.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px" />

The Blue Jays bullpen is all but set in stone for the 2024 season, but could you imagine if they added one of the best bullpen arms in the game? 



This is a free agent profile, where we take a look at the players on the open market this winter and whether or not they would be fits for the Blue Jays. In this article, we’re going to take a look at Josh Hader, who could sign the largest contract for a closer in baseball history this off-season.

https://twitter.com/baseball_ref/status/1729243703171068094
<h2>Josh Hader’s 2023:</h2>
After a rough 2022 season, which saw the lefty post a 5.22 ERA between the Brewers and Padres, Hader’s first full season in San Diego was a great one. He posted a 1.28 ERA and a 2.69 FIP in 56 1/3 innings pitched with 33 saves. To go along with that, Hader had a 36.8 K% and struck out 13/6 batters per nine. 

Hader established himself as one of baseball's best closers during his six seasons in Milwaukee but hit a blip in 2022, a season in which he was traded from the Brewers to San Diego. During that year, he posted a 5.22 ERA and a 3.45 FIP in 50 innings pitched, along with a 37 K% and a 9.6 BB%. Hader was traded to the Padres for Taylor Rogers, Dinelson Lamet, Esteury Ruiz, and pitching prospect Robert Gasser because Milwaukee ultimately didn't want to pay his eventual raise in arbitration. 

Rough year aside, Hader is still amongst the game's best closers. For his career, he has a 2.50 ERA and a 2.73 FIP in 388.2 innings pitched. He has 165 career saves and has only blown 25 of them. 
<h2>Josh Hader’s contract:</h2>
Relievers aren’t often extended qualifying offers, but due to his great season and large track record, the Padres felt it was necessary to give Hader one, which he declined. This means that any team that signs Hader will lose a second-round pick.

With all being said, Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicts that Hader will earn a three-year deal worth $67 million, which equates to $23.3 million a season. <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/2023-24-top-50-free-agents-with-predictions.html">MLB Trade Rumors</a> believes he’ll sign a longer-term deal, six years at $110 million, which is $18.3 million a season.

Edwin Diaz signed the biggest contract for a closer in MLB history with the Mets worth $102 million over five years and it looks like Hader will break that this winter. I guess that’s the price you pay for one of the best closers of our generation.

https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1727522607283552467
<h2>Is Josh Hader a fit for the Blue Jays:</h2>
Honestly, probably not. As it stands, the Blue Jays’ bullpen is solidified with Jordan Romano, Tim Mayza, Erik Seanson, Génesis Cabrera, Yimi García, Chad Green, Trevor Richards, and one of Mitch White or Bowden Francis, as well as a ton of depth in the upper minors that could contribute.

While Hader is a fantastic pitcher and would make one of the league’s bullpen significantly better, it feels like the money is better spent elsewhere, specifically on an outfielder or third baseman.

<hr />

As always, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads @Brennan_L_D.

<hr />

<h2 class="mb-5 text-2xl font-bold">Previously…</h2>
<ul class="mb-5 list-disc pl-8">
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-shohei-ohtani-is-this-winters-top-free-agent-despite-off-season-elbow-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Shohei Ohtani is this winter’s top free agent despite off-season elbow surgery</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-the-blue-jays-pursued-cody-bellinger-last-winter-and-likely-will-again-this-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: The Blue Jays pursued Cody Bellinger last winter and likely will again this year</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-yoshinobu-yamamoto-finished-his-npb-career-with-one-of-the-best-starts-in-japan-series-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Yoshinobu Yamamoto finished his NPB career with one of the best starts in Japan Series history</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-two-time-all-star-tim-anderson-is-on-the-open-market-after-the-white-sox-declined-his-option" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Two-time All-Star Tim Anderson is on the open market after the White Sox declined his option</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-teoscar-hernandez-said-before-the-trade-deadline-that-hed-be-open-to-a-return-to-the-blue-jays" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Teoscar Hernández said before the trade deadline that he’d be open to a return to the Blue Jays</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-lourdes-gurriel-jr-is-on-the-open-market-following-his-first-all-star-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is on the open market following his first All-Star season</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-the-blue-jays-are-apparently-interested-in-outfielder-michael-a-taylor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: The Blue Jays are apparently interested in outfielder Michael A. Taylor</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-slugger-jorge-soler-could-give-the-blue-jays-some-much-needed-pop-in-their-lineup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Slugger Jorge Soler could give the Blue Jays some much-needed pop in their lineup</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-slugger-jorge-soler-could-give-the-blue-jays-some-much-needed-pop-in-their-lineup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Slugger Jorge Soler could give the Blue Jays some much-needed pop in their lineup</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-a-joey-votto-homecoming-is-a-possibility-this-winter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: A Joey Votto homecoming is a possibility this winter</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-bryce-harper-moving-to-first-base-means-rhys-hoskins-time-with-the-phillies-is-over" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Bryce Harper moving to first base means Rhys Hoskins’ time with the Phillies is over</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-jeimer-candelario-is-among-the-blue-jays-replacement-options-if-matt-chapman-doesnt-re-sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Jeimer Candelario is among the Blue Jays’ replacement options if Matt Chapman doesn’t re-sign</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-slugger-j-d-martinez-is-back-on-the-market-after-a-rebound-year-with-the-dodgers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Slugger J.D. Martinez is back on the market after a rebound year with the Dodgers</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-another-slugger-is-on-the-market-as-the-brewers-non-tendered-rowdy-tellez" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Another slugger is on the market as the Brewers non-tendered Rowdy Tellez</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-blake-snell-is-just-the-seventh-pitcher-to-win-a-cy-young-in-both-leagues" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Blake Snell is just the seventh pitcher to win a Cy Young in both leagues</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-former-gold-glove-winner-harrison-bader-is-a-defence-first-option-for-the-outfield" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Former Gold Glove winner Harrison Bader is a defence-first option for the outfield</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-yokohama-baystars-expected-to-post-shota-imanaga-by-monday" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Yokohama BayStars expected to post Shota Imanaga by Monday</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-justin-turner-declined-his-player-option-after-a-successful-season-with-the-red-sox" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Justin Turner declined his player option after a successful season with the Red Sox</a></li>
 	<li class=""><a class="text-accent" href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-canadian-james-paxton-is-again-a-free-agent-after-working-back-from-tommy-john-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Free Agent Profile: Canadian James Paxton is again a free agent after working back from Tommy John surgery</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/free-agent-profile-marcus-stroman-is-back-on-the-market-after-opting-out-of-his-contract-with-the-cubs">Free Agent Profile: Marcus Stroman is back on the market after opting out of his contract with the Cubs</a></li>
</ul>

<hr />

<h2 class="mb-5 text-2xl font-bold" style="text-align: center;"><a class="text-accent" href="https://gml-grp.com/C.ashx?btag=a_24038b_2065c_&amp;affid=7966&amp;siteid=24038&amp;adid=2065&amp;c=" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO</a></h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-61491" src="https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/Betano_ON_Base_727x404-1.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" />

Free Agent Profile: Closer Josh Hader could be in line for a record-breaking contract this winter

Blue Jays: Addison Barger’s regular season hot streak began in Seattle

Blue Jays: 2025 Arizona Fall League Game 4 recap

Blue Jays GDB – ALCS Game 3: Toronto looks to avoid going down 3-0 in series

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) reacts after striking out the side against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning during game five of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park.

Recent articles from Ryley Delaney

Breaking News