Hader to the Padres: 2022 NL Reliever of the Year Traded to San Diego, Sources Say

The San Diego Padres have acquired All-Star closer Josh Hader from the Milwaukee Brewers, according to sources familiar with the deal. In return, the Brewers will receive pitching prospects Taylor Rogers and Robert Gasser, as well as an additional player to be named later.

Hader, 28, is one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. He has recorded at least 100 strikeouts in each of the last four seasons and has a career ERA of 2.54. He is also a two-time All-Star and won the NL Reliever of the Year Award in 2022.

The Padres have been in need of a closer ever since trading away Kirby Yates in 2020. They signed Mark Melancon to a two-year deal in 2021, but he struggled last season and was released in August. Taylor Rogers, who the Padres acquired in the Hader deal, is expected to take over as the team's setup man, while Hader will close out games.

The Brewers, meanwhile, are getting a pair of young pitchers with upside. Rogers, 32, is a veteran reliever who has a career ERA of 3.24. Gasser, 24, is a right-handed starter who was ranked as the Brewers' No. 10 prospect by Baseball America. He reached Triple-A last season and had a 3.65 ERA in 24 starts.

The trade is a major shakeup for both teams. The Padres are now considered one of the favorites to win the NL West, while the Brewers may have taken a step back. However, they still have a strong team led by reigning NL MVP Christian Yelich and All-Star outfielder Corbin Burnes.