Brewers: 3 Josh Hader trades that make sense

The Brewers continue to entertain trades centered around left-handed reliever Josh Hader.

Coming off yet another solid season, Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Josh Hader is continuing to garner plenty of attention from teams around the league. The two-time All-Star is known as one of the nastiest left-handed relievers out of the bullpen, thanks to a fastball that tops out just shy of 100 mph and a tight spinning slider.

FanSided MLB columnist Robert Murray reported late Tuesday evening that the Brewers “continue to listen to trade inquiries.”

It’s been no secret that the 26-year-old left-hander has been involved in some trade talks over the past few seasons. However, the asking price has continued to be too high. But with the Brewers seemingly comfortable giving 2020 Rookie of the Year Devin Williams the ball late in games, Hader may just be a bit more expendable now. However, you can bet that a healthy dose of young talent will need to be offered up.

Here are three trades for the left-hander that actually could happen this winter.

1. New York Mets

New Mets owner Steve Cohen wants to be aggressive; there is no hiding that. They already made a large splash this winter trading for all-star shortstop Francisco Lindor, which was a steal. So why wouldn’t the franchise continue to wheel and deal to acquire talent around Lindor?

The Mets still have plenty of talent left in their farm system to suit the Brewers, along with J.D. Davis, who could slide right into a very empty third base position in Milwaukee. Catcher Francisco Alvarez, currently rated as the No. 2 prospect in the Mets’ system, according to MLB.com, is extremely raw at just 19 years of age but has already shown he can handle the bat well in his young minor league career.

The Mets could also offer up Franklyn Kilome, their 10th-rated prospect, according to MLB.com. Kilome is a 25-year-old pitcher with a tall 6-foot-6 frame. He’s bounced around and battled some injuries but could could settle into a long relief role with the Brewers.

For the Mets, Hader could slot right in as a set-up man or as a closer and instantly improve a bullpen that ranked 18th in 2020.

2. New York Yankees

On Tuesday morning, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman tweeted that the New York Yankees are on the lookout for another bullpen arm after trading away reliever Adam Ottavino.

Shortstop Anthony Volpe fits the mold of the “up the middle” type player with versatility that the Brewers covet so much. Miguel Andujar has had his ups and downs in the Bronx and in the minor leagues. However, his versatility would be of value to David Stearns, and he doesn’t have a great position fit with the Yankees.

Lastly, pitcher Clarke Schmidt is the top-3 type MLB-ready prospect that the Brewers would need in return to cap off the deal. Hader is still on a cheap contract and could be a huge boost to a Yankees bullpen that ranked just 19th in 2020. A long-term deal could be figured out at a later time for the left-handed hurler.

3. Minnesota Twins

Brewers get: Alex Kirilloff, 1B/OF, Blayne Enlow, RHP

Twins get: Josh Hader

A move like this for the Twins is unlikely but could be groundbreaking and maybe what they need to take the next step in the postseason. Alex Kirilloff , the Twins’ No. 2 prospect, is one of the best pure hitters in the minor leagues and is ready to make the jump to the pros. He offers flexibility being able to play first base or in the corner outfield positions.

Blayne Enlow would also be a good addition for the Brewers. The No. 10 Twins prospect could slowly work his way up a Brewers minor league system in need of starting pitching.