Padres Free Agent Reliever Josh Hader Looking for Record-Breaking Contract

Although many top free agents have found new homes, many top players are still available on the market. One who may find a new home soon is San Diego Padres close Josh Hader. 

Hader spent the last season and a half with the Friars and continued his stellar play in Southern California. The 29-year-old closer was spectacular all season long, recording a 1.28 ERA, 33 saves, and a save percentage of 86.8%. The lefty closer ranked eighth in total saves, and it could've been higher if the Padres were competitive in 2023. 

Hader is looking for record-setting money this winter, According to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Hader could receive a deal north of the 5-year, $102 million contract that Edwin Diaz signed with the New York Mets.

"He's looking for a deal north of Edwin Diaz, so it would be five years, over $100 million, and so far, no club has gone to that ballpark, at least as of yet. But the three teams that are in play are the New York Yankees, the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers."

^{Per Jim Bowden via CBS Sports}

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic projected Hader would receive a record guaranteed contract of $110 million but a lower average annual value (AAV) than Diaz in a six-year deal. 

According to Bookies.com, the Texas Rangers have the best odds of adding the five-time All-Star with +325 odds. They are tied with the, yeah, you guessed it, the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Hader is a three-time Reliever of the Year winner. He is a hot commodity within the market, deservedly so, and the race will only intensify for him. 

By all indications, it looks like he will be the highest-paid closer after this offseason.