Milwaukee Brewers’ Prospects: #13 Josh Hader

The Milwaukee Brewers haven’t had a lefty starter come through the system since Manny Parra. While Parra shined at times in the minors, he never fully became that MLB starter that many hoped he would be.

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After acquiring Josh Hader from the Houston Astros this past July, it looks like the team may finally have an arm they can count on. Hader won just one game as a Shucker (in one of the most meaningless stats in baseball) but here is why he is number 13 on our Brewers’ top prospect list.

At just 21-years-old, Hader already has a pretty impressive minor league resume. Last season he was named pitcher of the year in the California League when he went nine and two with a 2.70 ERA as opponent batters hit just .206 off of him. During these starts he also averaged over a strikeout per inning and he put up a 1.10 WHIP.

This past season pitching in both the Texas League and the Southern League, Hader remained impressive. He finished the season with a combined ERA just over three. When he got to Biloxi, he was incredible each time out. In those seven starts, Hader struck out 63 batters while walking just 15. No matter who he faced, he kept the Shuckers in the game allowing no more than three runs in any of his Southern League starts.

Now pitching in the Arizona Fall League, Hader has continued to impress. In 10 innings with the Surprise Saguaros, Hader has allowed only one run and struck out 15 batters. He also has a WHIP of just 0.80. Recently he was even named AFL pitcher of the week for his strong showing.

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I expect that this season Hader will most likely start in Biloxi, but he should see plenty of time in AAA Colorado Springs and even could see some time in Milwaukee before the year ends. As a left handed arm that the team sorely lacks could give the team something that they have needed for years.