The pursuit of five-time All-Star reliever Josh Hader has narrowed down to three leading contenders: the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Texas Rangers. Hader, a highly coveted left-handed pitcher, is seeking a lucrative, long-term contract after an impressive season leading up to his free agency.

Here are the top five potential destinations for Hader:

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers have already made notable signings, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They also bolstered their starting rotation by acquiring Tyler Glasnow. Adding a reliever of Hader’s caliber would further elevate their roster. Hader aims to become the highest-paid closer in the game, and the Dodgers might have the means to meet his financial demands.

New York Yankees: Despite missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Yankees possess a formidable bullpen. Adding Hader would solidify it as one of the best in the league. Additionally, acquiring Hader could provide them with the flexibility to pursue a trade for a starting pitcher.

Texas Rangers: Hader’s contract expectations may deter several teams, but the Rangers have expressed interest despite their own financial limitations. They are regarded as one of the front-runners in the race to sign him.

New York Mets: The Mets made a significant effort to secure Yoshinobu Yamamoto, albeit unsuccessfully. They still have a strong need for a major pitching acquisition to satisfy their fan base, and Hader could be an ideal addition to their roster.

Philadelphia Phillies: While initially seen as a potential fit for Hader, the Phillies are less likely to pursue him due to his high contract demands. However, they should not be entirely dismissed as an outside possibility.

Currently, the Dodgers appear to be in the best position to sign Hader, given their financial capabilities. However, their current focus seems to be on strengthening their starting rotation, so an immediate offer for Hader may not be imminent.