Houston Astros Agree to Megadeal with All-Star Closer
The Houston Astros have agreed to a five-year, $95 million deal with Josh Hader, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. He notes that the deal contains no deferrals and is the largest present-day value contract for a relief pitcher in MLB history.
After losing Kendall Graveman to shoulder surgery earlier in the week, Hader became an obvious need for an already shorthanded Astros bullpen.
In the 2023 season, the left-hander posted an ERA of 1.28 in 56 1/3 innings. He posted 33 saves and tied his career high in appearances, appearing in 61 games.
With Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek, and Phil Maton all expected to depart in free agency, the front office had shown an interest in bettering the bullpen. Houston knew they had to add to their bullpen and did so in the best possible way, landing the best available reliever on the market.
Hader now returns to the Astros' system after he was sent there in a deal for Bud Norris with the Baltimore Orioles in 2013. Hader was then traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers. During his time with the Brewers, he proved to be the best closer in baseball.
For a Houston team that's looking to get back to a World Series and complete the task by winning another ring, locking down arguably the best closer in baseball makes them that much better. With the additions that other teams in the league made this offseason, it was crucial for Houston to respond.
With Hader, they did just that.
