Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Brewers listening to trade offers for All-Star closer Josh Hader

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jul 31, 2022 11:55 PM ET

Despite leading the way in the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly listening to offers for All-Star closer Josh Hader.

On Sunday, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported that teams have called the Brewers inquiring about Hader's availability.

Teams have been calling on Josh Hader. No indication he's particularly available but Brewers usually seem willing to listen, in case. Hadn't given up an earned run in the regular season in 11 months but has 12.54 ERA this month.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2022

Heyman added that there's no reason to believe the Brewers are shopping Hader, but they were willing to hear what teams could offer.

However, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, there might be more than meets the eye surrounding the Hader trade chatter.

"The conversations might be little more than due diligence," Rosenthal wrote. "But as the Brewers head toward their fifth straight postseason appearance, their motivation to trade Hader might be increasing."

Rosenthal points out that Hader can become a free agent in 2024 and is due a raise next season, his last year of arbitration. Also, the Brewers have Devin Williams in the fold, who could very well be Hader's heir apparent in the closer role.

Hader, a four-time All-Star, is 1-4 with a 4.24 ERA and 29 saves in 37 appearances for the Brewers this season.

The 28-year-old has compiled a 17-17 record with a 2.48 ERA and 125 saves in six seasons with Milwaukee.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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