• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Cold Wire

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About

The Cold Wire

Breaking News, Sports, Entertainment, TV, Tech ...

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About
You are here: Home / Sports / MLB / Is Brewers Closer Josh Hader Overrated? (3 Reasons He Is Not)

Is Brewers Closer Josh Hader Overrated? (3 Reasons He Is Not)

June 28, 2021
By Sam Leweck
@samleweck
Leave a Comment
Follow Sam Leweck on Google News Follow Us

Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field on June 11, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

 

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader is in the midst of the most dominant season of his career.

With his name being tossed around in trade rumors, many MLB fans are curious about what the 27-year-old would bring to a new team.

The answer?

A whole lot.

The question we are looking to answer today is whether Hader is overrated, and our findings are going to suggest that he is absolutely not.

 

3. His Overall Track Record Suggests That His Outstanding 2021 Season Is No Fluke

Realistically, no one expects Hader to maintain his current pace forever.

That said, his campaign thus far can’t be described as a fluke.

Hader has shown time and time again that he is capable of pitching at a historic level, and it’s all coming together this year.

Hader currently has a 0.57 ERA, 0.85 FIP, and 0.70 WHIP.

He has allowed just two runs over 32 appearances.

His ERA+ of 726 suggests that he has been 626 percent better than league-average this season.

Those numbers are almost impossible to process.

#Brewers closer Josh Hader now 19 for 19 in save chances. Truly has been Mr. Reliable.

— Tom (@Haudricourt) June 23, 2021

Prior to this season, Hader displayed his potential to breakthrough like this.

He pitched to a 2.54 ERA, 171 ERA+, 2.85 FIP, and 0.86 WHIP over the first four years of his career.

He was named an All-Star twice and even finished seventh in the Cy Young race in 2018.

Needless to say, he is going to be receiving Cy Young votes this season, too.

 

2. His Strikeout Rate Is Through The Roof

The last time we got through a full 162-game season was in 2019.

That year, the league-average strikeout rate was 23 percent.

In other words, 23 percent of plate appearances ended in strikeouts.

Hader’s career strikeout rate is 44.3 percent.

He fans almost half of the batters he faces.

You often hear someone say that a starting pitcher has no-hit stuff, but that description also applies to Hader.

Hitters do well just to put the ball in play against him.

This season, he has fanned 53 batters in 31.2 innings.

Last season, he fanned 31 batters in 19.0 innings.

The previous season (2019), he fanned 138 batters in 75.2 innings.

And the season before that one (2018), he fanned 143 batters in 81.1 innings.

To shut the door tonight, Josh Hader was immaculate. pic.twitter.com/lYbAyWstPv

— MLB (@MLB) March 31, 2019

Hader is a nightmare to face, and he is going to be around to haunt hitters for a long time.

 

1. He Has Been Unaffected By The Foreign Substance Ban

It has been a turbulent couple of weeks for many MLB pitchers since the new foreign substance enforcement rules kicked in.

While many aces have struggled to find their footing (and their grip), Hader has been unbothered.

Since the league announced its plans to change the enforcement rules in early June, Hader has tossed nine scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out 13.

Further, since the new enforcement rules actually went into effect on June 21, he has tossed perfect frames while striking out three.

 

Wrap-Up

Hader is a generational talent, and his value is through the roof.

If he does get moved at the upcoming deadline, the return will be a hefty one.

It will be very interesting to see how Milwaukee handles the situation.

Hader is about to enter arbitration, so he figures to get expensive very quickly.

That may be something the Brewers want to avoid.

    Get ALL the latest MLB news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cold Wire MLB newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Milwaukee Brewers Rumors And News (Updated Daily), MLB Tagged With: Milwaukee Brewers

About Sam Leweck

Sam Leweck is a New Hampshire native and lifelong sports fan. He has several years of experience covering baseball as a writer, editor and broadcaster.

Suggest a correction

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow The Cold Wire!

More Milwaukee Brewers News

Jesse Winker #27 of the Seattle Mariners watches his single against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park on June 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

Jesse Winker Has Elite Numbers Against NL Central Teams

4 days ago

Baseball hats with the current logo (L) and retro logo sit on display at Miller Park on April 24, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

MLB Insider Points Out An Interesting Brewers Fact

1 week ago

A Milwaukee Brewers hat in the dugout during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Brewers Have A Deal With Former Marlins Slugger

1 week ago

Corbin Burnes #39 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field on June 20, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Brewers Are Picking A Shocking Battle With Corbin Burnes

2 weeks ago

Corbin Burnes #39 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on September 14, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri.

Corbin Burnes Dominates MLB Pitchers In Elite Category

2 weeks ago

Wade Miley #20 of the Chicago Cubs delivers a pitch in the first inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

MLB Insider Reveals Wade Miley Contract Details

2 weeks ago

Wade Miley #20 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on September 11, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

MLB Insider Breaks Down Wade Miley's Brewers Deal

3 weeks ago

Wade Miley #22 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the first inning during their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on September 19, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Brewers Make Their First Free Agent Signing

3 weeks ago

A Milwaukee Brewers hat in the dugout during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Brewers Make A Move To Strengthen Their Pitching Staff

3 weeks ago

A Milwaukee Brewers hat in the dugout during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Brewers Fans Are Rightfully Frustrated With The Front Office

3 weeks ago

Corbin Burnes #39 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field on June 20, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Brewers Remain Atop An Elite Pitching List

2 months ago

Corbin Burnes #39 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on September 14, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri.

2 Moves The Brewers Need To Make This Offseason

2 months ago

Corbin Burnes #39 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on May 29, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri.

The Brewers Headline An Impressive 2023 Group

3 months ago

A Milwaukee Brewers hat in the dugout during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Brewers Are Retaining A Key Veteran Player

3 months ago

A Milwaukee Brewers hat in the dugout during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Brewers Try To Calm Concerns About The Front Office

3 months ago

General manager David Stearns of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on during summer workouts at Miller Park on July 04, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Former Brewers GM Has A Departure Plan In Place

3 months ago

Manager Craig Counsell #30 of the Milwaukee Brewers signals the bullpen to make a pitching change against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the seventh inning at Oracle Park on August 30, 2021 in San Francisco, California.

Brewers Analyst Reveals Concerning Fact For The Franchise

3 months ago

A baseball with MLB logo is seen at Citizens Bank Park before a game between the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies on June 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

MLB Fans React To The David Stearns News

3 months ago

A Milwaukee Brewers hat in the dugout during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.

MLB Insider Reveals A Massive Brewers Leadership Update

3 months ago

Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts to the instant replay call of his stolen base attempt at third base during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field on August 06, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Christian Yelich Explains An Impossible Pitch To Hit

4 months ago

Devin Williams #38 of the Milwaukee Brewers hands the ball to manager Craig Counsell #30 as he is removed from the game against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at American Family Field on October 01, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Brewers Thank The Fans After An Ugly Finish

4 months ago

Manager Craig Counsell #30 of the Milwaukee Brewers signals the bullpen to make a pitching change against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the seventh inning at Oracle Park on August 30, 2021 in San Francisco, California.

One Trade Had A Devastating Effect On Brewers Bullpen

4 months ago

Devin Williams #38 of the Milwaukee Brewers hands the ball to manager Craig Counsell #30 as he is removed from the game against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at American Family Field on October 01, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

An Old Tweet Is Now Haunting The Brewers

4 months ago

Willy Adames #27 of the Milwaukee Brewers is unable to field a fly ball during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at American Family Field on October 03, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

MLB Analyst Rips The Brewers For An Epic Collapse

4 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search The Cold Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact Us

Sitemap

Advertise

Follow us on

Copyright © 2023  ColdWireMedia · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheColdWire.com

Suggest a Correction

Is Brewers Closer Josh Hader Overrated? (3 Reasons He Is Not)

1000 characters remaining