While the Mets and Dodgers have spoken with the Brewers about a potential trade for Josh Hader, the Yankees have been the most "active pursuer," reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Rosenthal adds that "in some cases," Milwaukee has asked for a package in return that included at least one top prospect, but that teams are reluctant to part with that level prospect for Hader.

SNY's Andy Martino reported on Dec. 2 that the Mets were one of many teams interested in trading for Hader, but that it was not yet clear if the Brewers would deal him.

Martino added that the price for the Mets would be high -- in the J.D. Davis, Dominic Smith, Jeff McNeil category.

Hader, 25, has put up eye-popping numbers during his three-year career, posting a 2.42 ERA (2.73 FIP) and 0.85 WHIP with 349 strikeouts in 242.2 IP -- that's an absolutely ridiculous 15.3 strikeouts per 9.

Like many pitchers, Hader was hurt by the longball last season, when he allowed 1.8 homers per 9. He served up 15 homers after allowing just 14 in 2017 and 2018 combined.

Still, Hader's WHIP and K/9 (which were elite in 2018) actually improved in 2019, as did his walk rate, which dropped from 3.3 per 9 to 2.4 per 9 -- the best rate of his career.

If the Mets make a play for Hader, it will be the second time in as many offseasons that they look to make a big splash by adding a young, under control reliever.

The Edwin Diaz trade last offseason blew up in the Mets' faces, but -- like Hader and many other pitchers who were victims of the home run at an alarming rate in 2019 -- Diaz could benefit in 2020 if the ball is back to normal or at least a close facsimile of normal.

When it comes to what it could take to trade for Hader, it could make sense for Davis -- who might not have a position with the Mets -- to be on the table. McNeil should be off-limits, as should prospects such as Brett Baty and Matthew Allan. And therein lies the potential problem for the Mets.

With their farm system already depleted after recent trades that shipped off Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Anthony Kay, how much more prospect talent can the Mets afford to part with?

ABRIANO: Potential ripple effects of Mets signing Porcello >> Read More

HARPER: What would Astros want from Mets in a trade for Correa? >> Read More

MCCARRON: Do Mets truly have the best deal in baseball with deGrom? >> Read More

Popular in the Community