Yankees should learn from Mets and not trade for Josh Hader

The Yankees reportedly still have interest in trading for Brewers closer Josh Hader, but former All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, whom the Mets traded a ransom for is the exact reason why the Yankees should not make a move for Hader — at the moment.

Edwin Diaz was shipped from the Mariners to the Mets in December 2018 as an incentive to acquire the lucrative contract of former Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. At the time, it seemed like the Mets turned a lopsided trade into a decent deal.

However, thus far, the results have been an absolute nightmare.

Diaz finished the 2019 season 2-7 with a career-worst 5.59 ERA, surrendering 36 runs in only 58 innings of work. But what does this have to do with Josh Hader and the Yanks?

The Yankees do not need to acquire another closer or a bullpen piece before the start of the new season.

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Although it might seem logical to trade for a reliever with Dellin Betances signing a one-year deal with the Mets, the Bombers have plenty of lively minor league pitchers that now have a chance to show manager Aaron Boone what they can do.

If the Yanks are approaching the trade deadline and general manager Brian Cashman decides that his club needs a substantial addition to the ‘pen, that would be the time to add Hader.

Hader would still have three full seasons of team control and would help the Yankees if they are making a postseason run.

Besides, Hader will not become the Yanks’ closer, as Aroldis Chapman occupies that position. Putting him as the setup man or as a utility pitcher in the bullpen might make him very successful, but that would also knock Zack Britton and company down a notch.

I am not suggesting that the Yankees should not trade for Hader — just not now. Instead, the Yanks should look at their own farm system to see if there is a worthy candidate to take on a bullpen role.

Waiting until July will also give the Bombers plenty of time to decide if Hader is still worthy of trading a slew of talented young players for — in case he is having a lousy season or gets injured.

Edwin Diaz went from an All-Star closer in 2018 to having his worst major league season in 2019. The Yanks don’t need to take that type of risk with Hader.