Report: Padres, Brewers talked Josh Hader trade over last few seasons

The San Diego Padres have had their eyes on Josh Hader for a very long time. 

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Padres and Milwaukee Brewers have discussed a trade involving the left-hander over the last few seasons. A deal has never come to fruition because the Brewers want affordable and controllable major league assets. The Padres refuse to give up players who fall into that category, Rosenthal says. 

Hader is eligible for arbitration in 2022 and 2023. He won't become an unrestricted free agent until 2024.

The 26-year-old has played a prominent role as Milwaukee's closer since 2017. During the pandemic-shortened campaign, he recorded 13 saves with a 3.79 ERA, 0.947 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 19 innings. 

San Diego, meanwhile, still isn't sure who will close games in 2021. The Padres could target Hader again, but will have to be willing to better their offer if they have any hopes of getting a deal done.