MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — Don’t expect the famous guitar riffs of the Styx classic ‘Renegade’ to echo through American Family Field as the bullpen doors open before the top of the 9th inning and the Brewers look to seal off another win.
Roughly 24 hours before the MLB Trade Deadline the Brewers are reportedly pulling off a blockbuster move. Closer Josh Hader is said to be moving to the San Diego Padres for a package of four players including three pitchers and OF Esteury Ruiz, who is considered one of the top 30 prospects in the organization but currently sits on the big-league roster.
Among those coming back to the Brewers is Major-League reliever Taylor Rogers, who has served as the closer for the Friars this season, and LHP prospect Robert Gasser.
Gasser is the #7 prospect in the Padres system according to MLB Pipeline. The 2021 draft pick has spent this season pitching at the High-A level and commands three pitches (fastball, slider, change).
ESPN Insider Jeff Passan reported the news on Twitter:
The return on Josh Hader to Milwaukee is significant: left-handed closer Taylor Rogers, lefty pitching prospect Robert Gasser, outfielder Esteury Ruiz and right-hander Dinelson Lamet, sources tell ESPN. Hader will be a free agent after the 2023 season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 1, 2022
Hader is under club control for the 2023 season though his salary will jump from $11 million to $15 million next year, which the Padres will absorb. He is set to become a free agent after 2023 and will likely command a much larger deal.
The MLB Trade Deadline is Tuesday at 6 PM.
