2. Transform the bullpen by adding Josh Hader
Aroldis Chapman is still an above-average closer, but he’s given up crucial home runs to effectively end the last two seasons for his team. Combine that with Adam Ottavino’s ugly performance in 2020 and it’s obvious why the Yankees will be on the lookout for bullpen help this offseason.
If New York is going to pay a hefty price for a reliever, Hader will definitely be their top target. The fact that Hader didn’t look completely invincible this season might tempt the Brewers into cashing in while his value is still at its height.
Hader’s 3.79 ERA in 2020 should sound alarm bells for Yankees scouts. It shouldn’t be a deal-breaker though. He still struck out 31 hitters in just 19 innings. The swing and miss stuff is what makes him so effective and it’s still present.
The big challenge here for the Yankees will be finding a deal to satisfy Milwaukee’s front office. Perhaps the aforementioned Gary Sanchez could be involved in the deal. The Yankees would also be willing to include Miguel Andujar in a package if he’s of interest to the Brewers.
Combining one of those major league hitters with a high-level prospect like Clarke Schmidt could serve as the foundation for a Hader deal. Add in another pair of low-level prospects and Hader could be donning pinstripes.