Brewers: Why Josh Hader is expendable before the trade deadline

It seems like Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader is always involved in trade rumors but this time, it could happen especially because the Brewers have a great option to replace him.

Josh Hader has been one of the most dominant closers in the game. He has been an All-Star in each of the last four All-Star games and he leads the majors with 29 saves this year. The Milwaukee Brewers are also in first place in the NL Central with a 57-44 record, four games ahead of the Cardinals for the lead.

But, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post and MLB Network, the Brewers are “listening” on offers for Hader and multiple teams have called. While the Brewers shouldn’t let him go for pennies, they definitely should listen and be willing to trade him, partially because they could actually benefit from it.

Brewers closer Josh Hader should be expendable at the trade deadline

Josh Hader was an All-Star this season because he had a great start to the season but he has struggled a lot recently. In fact, he didn’t allow his first earned run until June 7, which was 20th appearance on the season. Entering July 4, he had an ERA of 1.06.

Since then, he has appeared in 10 games and in 8.1 innings, he has a 14.04 ERA. In addition to a 8.88 FIP, he has an opponent slash line of .385/.455/.872, and he has allowed five home runs. That has ballooned his overall ERA on the season to 4.24.

He has not allowed a run in his last two outings but the Brewers have a more than adequate replacement: Devin Williams.

Williams was also an All-Star for the Brewers this season and entering Sunday, he has a sparkling 1.59 ERA in 43 appearances. He last allowed an earned run on May 10, meaning that he has gone 30 appearances without allowing a run.

In that span, he also has a 0.68 FIP and an opponent slash line of .115/.183/.125. He has averaged just 2.5 walks in comparison to 14.8 strikeouts per nine innings in that span.

Recently, FanSided exclusively spoke with Williams on his recent success and while he hasn’t allowed a run in 30 consecutive outings, his mindset for outings hasn’t changed … and it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t think that he can get even better.

"“I haven’t given up a run but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been disappointed in my outings at times,” Williams told FanSided. “To be honest, I got away with a few pitches (last Friday against the Rockies), in my opinion. But I (have been) able to get out of it and today’s a new day and I just try to show up and execute my pitches today.”"

In that outing against the Rockies, he struck out the side on 11 pitches but Williams cited his pitch location as disappointing … but the Rockies were unable to connect. The Brewers ended up winning the game 6-5 and taking three of four in the series.

It would be difficult for some Brewers fans to see Josh Hader leave but if they get a good return, the Brewers should pounce on it. With only one year of control after this season, Hader might not be on the Brewers much longer anyways so why not get as much as you can for him while elongating your playoff window?