Dodgers pursuing five-time All-Star closer

The Los Angeles Dodgers are committed to adding more players this offseason beyond just Shohei Ohtani. They are known to be pursuing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but they are also pursuing a top free agent closer, according to a report.

SI’s Tom Verducci published an article on Tuesday regarding Ohtani’s unprecedented contract structure. Ohtani deferred $680 million of his 10-year, $700 million contract to be paid from 2034-2043.

Verducci said that the Dodgers are committed to using the savings generated from Ohtani to improve the team and that they are interested in closer Josh Hader in addition to Yamamoto.

Hader had 33 saves and a 1.28 ERA over 56.1 innings in 2023, though he did walk 30 batters for the San Diego Padres. He has made five straight All-Star teams (there was no All-Star Game in 2020).

A notable AL team was previously said to be favored to sign Hader.

The 29-year-old southpaw has 165 career saves and a 2.50 career ERA.