The San Diego Padres are thriving despite losing key players like Josh Hader, with closer Robert Suarez stepping up with an impressive performance and making fans overlook Hader's absence.

By the Numbers
  • Josh Hader had a 1.28 ERA, 31 saves, and a 36% strikeout rate in 2023.
  • Robert Suarez currently has 8 saves with a 0.88 ERA.
  • Hader has signed a $95 million deal with the Astros but is struggling with an 8.38 ERA and only two saves.
Yes, But

While Suarez may not match Hader's strikeout numbers, he has found success by inducing ground balls and relying heavily on his fastball.

State of Play
  • Robert Suarez's approach has been effective, with a 50% ground ball rate and a reduced home run to fly ball ratio of 11.1% in 2024.
  • Suarez's consistency in relying on his fastball has been a key factor in his dominance.
What's Next

If Suarez can maintain his reliability in late-game situations, the Padres may not feel the impact of losing Hader in the long run.

Bottom Line

The Padres' closer Robert Suarez is proving to be a formidable replacement for Josh Hader, offering efficiency and effectiveness at a fraction of the cost, potentially leading fans to forget about Hader's departure altogether.