Josh Hader Wins the Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year Award

Josh Hader, the Milwaukee Brewers’ most dominant reliever, is being recognized for his 2018 performance with the National League Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year Award.

Hader was all but untouchable during his first full major league season. Over 81.1 IP, Hader pitched to a 2.43 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 15.8 K/9. He also set a record for left-handed reliever this year with 143 strikeouts. Baseball Prospectus says his performance was even better with a 2.00 DRA and 44.7 DRA-. Hitters were limited to just 17 extra-base hits.

According to MLB.com, the Brewers’ record showed his importance with the Brewers winning 48 of the 55 games he pitched in. The Milwaukee Nine also won in each one of Hader’s 23 multiple inning appearances. Granted, the record could also be a reflection of Counsell’s refusal to use Hader when the team wasn’t leading.

The AL award went to Seattle Mariners closer Edwin Diaz. Hader beat out Wade Davis and Kenley Jansen for the award.