Josh Hader left Milwaukee years ago, but the door doesn’t sound closed.
On Friday, the former Brewers closer said he’s open to the idea of making his way back to Milwaukee later in his career. Hader appeared on MLB Network with former Brewers pitcher Dan Plesac and broadcaster Greg Amsinger, and after Plesac joked about Hader being dealt just a few saves short of the franchise record, Hader gave a response that will catch Brewers fans’ attention.
"I'm hoping some time in my career, maybe late I can just sneak on back for a couple more," Hader said
That’s the kind of quote that immediately stirs up the what-if conversation in Milwaukee, especially with Hader still sitting eight saves shy of Plesac’s all-time Brewers mark.
The timing also lines up with a franchise that has built its identity around turning over elite bullpen arms without losing its edge. Milwaukee owns the third-best bullpen ERA in the league at 3.30, and that number looks even better now that JoJo Romero and Abner Uribe are back from the Injured List.
The Brewers were second in bullpen ERA in both 2024 and 2023, and finished sixth last season. Even after moving big names out the door, the relief group keeps humming.
That’s been the Brewers’ story for a while now. Freddy Peralta was dealt this past offseason.
Devin Williams went the year before. Corbin Burnes was moved a few years ago.
Hader himself was traded back in 2022. The names change, but Milwaukee keeps finding another arm to step in.
Hader’s departure remains one of the most memorable of that run. He was sent to the San Diego Padres in 2022, and at the time he said he wasn’t expecting to be moved. The Brewers were in first place when they made the deal, which only added to the reaction from a fanbase that didn’t take it lightly.
Since then, Hader has landed with the Houston Astros, where his season has flown a bit under the radar. He has pitched in 39 games and owns a 0.70 ERA with a 52-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 38 1/3 innings.
He’s under contract with Houston through the 2028 season and won’t be eligible for free agency again until he’s 34. If Milwaukee ever gets a real shot to bring him back, it would make sense to circle that moment. For now, though, the idea alone is enough to get Brewers fans thinking about a reunion.
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