San Diego Padres relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Padres reportedly 'close' to signing Josh Hader replacement

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 1/3/24

The San Diego Padres reportedly have their replacement for Josh Hader.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Tuesday that the Padres are close to signing Korean closer Woo Suk Go.

Korean righthander Woo Suk Go close to signing with Padres. Likely to be their closer.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 3, 2024

San Diego already added Japanese reliever Yuki Matsui two weeks ago on a five-year deal. Matsui had 39 saves last season for the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Meanwhile, Go pitched 44 innings for the LG Twins in Korea in 2023.

The Padres also have Robert Suarez as a late-inning option. Though Suarez had a 4.23 ERA last season, he boasted a 2.27 ERA in 45 appearances in 2022.

The Padres are poised to lose Hader, who has served as the team’s closer since they acquired him at the 2022 trade deadline. Hader had 40 saves in 80 appearances during his time with San Diego.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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