Josh Hader joined Milwaukee in 2015 as a minor-league starter, becoming the key left-handed player in a major trade that sent Carlos Gómez to Houston. When he reached the majors in 2017, the team shifted his aggressive pitching style into a multi-inning relief role, significantly altering how the game was closed.
After an impressive rookie season in middle relief, Hader achieved a peak of individual success in 2018. He demonstrated complete control of the strike zone, notably becoming the first MLB pitcher to strike out eight batters in under three innings. He ended the year with a 2.43 ERA and 143 strikeouts in just over 81 innings, earning his first All-Star nod and the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award. He proved to be a key player for the Brewers, who nearly reached the World Series, showing that a non-traditional closer could be the most valuable pitcher on the team.
Hader reached a new level of dominance as a full-time closer in 2019 and 2020. He produced back-to-back high-leverage efficiencies, with 37 saves in 2019 and 13 in the shortened 2020 season, leading the NL. He won the Hoffman Award for a second straight year, driven by a 16.4 SO/9 rate that seemed unreal. Despite occasional hiccups, his stats, including four straight years with a sub-1.000 WHIP, cemented his status as the top relief pitcher in the league.
In 2021, Hader reached a plateau of perfection, recording 34 saves in 35 opportunities with a career-low 1.23 ERA. He showcased his "big-game" poise by closing out a combined no-hitter in September and leading the league in Win Probability Added (4.8). He secured his third Reliever of the Year trophy, cementing his place in Brewers' records. However, in 2022, despite another All-Star nod, a mid-summer struggle led to a trade to the San Diego Padres.
As a Brewer, Hader compiled a 17-17 record, a 2.48 ERA, 125 saves, and 541 strikeouts.
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