How real is the Yankees interest in Brewers closer Josh Hader?

The New York Yankees are rumored to be after Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader. How real is their interest, and could they actually pull off a blockbuster deal?

Recent reports have the New York Yankees as the most active team in pursuing Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader. The Brewers currently have a roster full of holes, a bunch of money to spend, and shrinking number of options on the open market. Could dealing Hader to the Yankees solve a lot of their current roster problems?

What would it take for the Yankees to get Hader?

A lot. A lot a lot. A package for the best reliever in baseball would have to start with a Major League-ready asset like Miguel Andujar, and include extras that are close to Major League ready, and a lottery ticket or two.

The problem is that the Yankees aren’t an ideal match for prospects with the Brewers. They have pieces like Andujar that they could start a package with, but their system lacks MLB-ready talent at the corner infield or even for the starting rotation.

Luis Gil would be a name that would certainly interest the Brewers as an extra. He’s only 21 years old and can hit 101 MPH with his fastball.

Albert Abreu is the closest Yankees pitching prospect to the Majors, and it’s doubtful that he’ll excite the Brewers enough to push a deal across the finish line.

Are there any other teams interested in Hader?

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are also rumored to have inquired on Hader.

What are the chances Hader gets traded?

The only way the Brewers move Hader is if a team with a super deep farm system offers three or more Major League-ready talents in exchange. The Yankees would have to part with a lot of talent to get close to adding Hader, and even that package may not be enough to get him.

Only teams like the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, or the Atlanta Braves could conceivably make a run at Hader. So far, only the Dodgers have shown interest, and there has yet to be a report that goes beyond that.