The Josh Hader trade was a shock to many of the players on the team, and they have differing reactions to the move.
When the Brewers traded Josh Hader, it shocked many people around the baseball world. While the trade wasn’t unexpected, the timing of it caught a lot of people off-guard. This includes the Brewers players and staff, who were also caught off guard by the trade. Making a trade of this magnitude in the middle of the season is completely unexpected, especially for a team that is expecting to compete this season.
First, Josh Hader spoke with reporters about the trade himself. Here’s what he had to say about it.
Josh Hader is on the phone with us now.
“It sucks to leave Milwaukee…but I’ll always look at it as something I can’t control, and having a new chapter in my journey is something I’ll look forward to.”
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) August 1, 2022
Hader says he’ll remember most the atmosphere the front office puts forward — quality, hard-working players on the roster and great pitching staffs.
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) August 1, 2022
“I’ve grown a lot,” Hader said of his time with the Brewers.
He talked a lot about evolving as a pitcher, learning the game while pitching in different roles.
“The journey has molded me into the player I am today.”
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) August 1, 2022
Asked Hader about the Brewers’ closer situation now with him on the move to SD.
“We’ve all seen what Devin has done…we’ve seen Rogers as well. Really good quality arms right there. I think that back end of the bullpen is still going to stay solid.”
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) August 1, 2022
Hader also posted a video on Instagram addressed to fans.
Josh Hader just posted a thank you video to the city of Milwaukee on IG. pic.twitter.com/K2hbjLFwtG
— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) August 1, 2022
Hader also spoke with reporters in San Diego about the trade:
Josh Hader discusses how he found about yesterday’s trade to the Padres and joining his new team: pic.twitter.com/OcoVzOUgjr
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) August 2, 2022
Prior to yesterday’s game against the Pirates, several of the players had a chance to talk about the trades that the Brewers made, mostly about the Josh Hader trade. Here are reactions from Corbin Burnes, Craig Counsell, Brandon Woodruff, Christian Yelich, and Devin Williams.
Corbin Burnes says he looks at the Josh Hader trade two ways. One, it hurts to lose his best friend on the team. Two, it’s business, and neither Burnes nor Hader were particularly shocked. “Even the best reliever in baseball can be traded.” pic.twitter.com/EMheoOB1Td
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 3, 2022
Craig Counsell addressed both clubhouse and fan reaction to the Josh Hader trade.
“I don’t think we should shy away from anybody’s reaction to losing a really important player for the franchise.”
“We all want a World Series. David Stearns is a pretty good guy to get us there.” pic.twitter.com/j392rqqxw4
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 2, 2022
Brandon Woodruff came off the golf course yesterday, saw news of the Josh Hader trade and thought it was a joke. Here’s his reaction now that it has settled in. pic.twitter.com/NszYfkZJBT
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 2, 2022
Christian Yelich knows the Brewers will miss Josh Hader on the field and in the clubhouse, but says, “I think David, Matt and Mark, they’ve done really well over the last five years. I think they’ve earned the trust of everybody in this room.” pic.twitter.com/DrdWBPApjo
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 2, 2022
Here is Devin Williams’ reaction to Josh Hader being traded by the Brewers. pic.twitter.com/ziSJaXBzaI
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 2, 2022
Meanwhile, Taylor Rogers has joined the team and will help fill the role that Josh Hader held with the team. Even though Rogers struggled a bit in San Diego, the Brewers believe that he can improve. Here are his reactions to the trade and coming to Milwaukee.
Taylor Rogers is in Pittsburgh after a rigorous night of travel. He was shocked by the trade and said there’s a possibility of splitting duties with Devin Williams at the end of games. pic.twitter.com/V6V1MYhWmk
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) August 2, 2022
Taylor Rogers, without context: “The first number that was put in my face was the FIP, and I was like, ‘Oh, s—-.’”
Taylor Rogers, with added context: He has a 8.14 ERA over his last 22 outings, but a FIP of just 2.78. pic.twitter.com/uroj449iVs
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) August 2, 2022