Cubs Consider Trade for Hader: Is It Time to Embrace the Villain?

As night falls, the buzz around the Chicago Cubs intensifies, especially in the vibrant atmosphere of BCB After Dark—an inviting space for night owls, new parents, and Cubs fans from all corners. With no cover charge and a welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and discuss everything from baseball to jazz.

Last night, the community weighed in on a close call between two young backup infielders, Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramírez. In a tight race, Ramírez edged out Shaw with 53% of the vote, reflecting the fans’ preference for the younger talent.

While the usual Tuesday night movie chatter takes a backseat, the rhythm of jazz takes center stage. Tonight, we feature Brazilian pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias performing “Brasil” from her upcoming album, Ao Vivo. Fans of Terry Gilliam’s films might recognize this beautiful melody, but hearing it sung in Portuguese offers a fresh experience.

In the realm of baseball, the Boston Red Sox are making headlines, having surged to a remarkable 14-game winning streak, putting them squarely back in playoff contention. This surge likely means that Aroldis Chapman, a potential target for the Cubs to bolster their bullpen, is now off the market. The Red Sox appear to be gearing up as buyers ahead of the trade deadline.

With the Cubs needing to explore alternatives for a reliable closer, especially with Daniel Palencia’s effectiveness uncertain, the trade landscape is shifting. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros find themselves in a precarious position, potentially willing to part with their dominant left-hander, Josh Hader. Hader, once a formidable foe at Wrigley Field during his tenure with the Brewers, boasts a career 1.88 ERA against the Cubs, second only to his performances against the Pirates.

At 32, Hader’s velocity has dipped slightly, with his sinker now clocking in at 95 mph instead of 96, while his slider sits at 84-85 mph. However, he remains an effective pitcher, boasting a 1.47 ERA this season and a perfect 11-for-11 in save opportunities. He has struck out 29 batters in 18.1 innings, with opposing hitters managing just a .154 average against him.

Despite his impressive stats, there are hurdles to consider if the Cubs pursue Hader. His contract runs for two more years at a hefty $19 million annually, a significant investment for a player who typically pitches just one inning at a time. Additionally, Hader’s injury history raises concerns; he missed the early part of this season due to left bicep tendonitis and was sidelined for the final weeks of last year with a left shoulder strain. Although he has returned to form since June, his past raises questions about his reliability.

Moreover, the thought of embracing a player who has been a source of animosity for Cubs fans over the years complicates matters. Yet, if the Astros are willing to offload part of Hader’s contract for the right prospect package, it might make sense for the Cubs to consider it, especially given the uncertain health of most pitchers. If fans can accept Craig Counsell, perhaps they can find it in their hearts to welcome his former closer.

While Hader would come at a cost, it could be a more feasible option than pursuing other pitchers like Mason Miller from the Padres. The Cubs might not need to part with top prospects like Josiah Hartshorn or Owen Ayers, but including players like Jaxon Wiggins or Jefferson Rojas could be on the table. Even Shaw or Ramírez might entice the Astros to absorb some of Hader’s contract.

So, as the night winds down, we ask: are you ready to set aside past grievances and sip on some Hader-ade? Thank you for joining us tonight, and we apologize for the late start due to kitchen issues. Please drive home safely, recycle any cans and bottles, tip your waitstaff generously, and we look forward to seeing you again tomorrow night for more BCB After Dark.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.