VIDEO: Josh Hader Speaks Out After Losing Arbitration Hearing and Says System Needs to Change
By Scott Rogust
Major League Baseball's stars now have measly 1-6 record against their respective clubs in terms of arbitration hearings. The latest player to lose their case was Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader, who will make $4.1 million in 2020, as opposed to his desired $6.4 million. Hours after his loss, Hader spoke out, saying the arbitration system in the league is "outdated," where he cited the change in roles for relief pitchers.
Josh Hader speaks on today’s arbitration decision: pic.twitter.com/iXQHQKn6A5
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) February 14, 2020
The days of relievers pitching in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings are gone. We are now in the age of baseball where relief arms are taking the mound in the first inning, or entering the game in certain instances.
Hader is arguing that due to this change in philosophy in the game of baseball, the value of bullpen arms should increase.
#Brewers’ Josh Hader on arbitration ruling, traditional stats like saves being part of it: “It’s outdated.” Because roles of RPs are changing, “the system needs to be changed with that.”
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) February 14, 2020
He's not the only reliever to lose in arbitration. Shane Greene pushed for a 2020 salary of $6.75 million, but was denied by the independent arbiter, who voted on the Atlanta Braves to pay him $6.25 million.
Hader would like to see a change in arbitration but it remains to be seen when reform will arrive.