Houston Astros Linked to Prolific Padres Closer Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Houston Astros have been linked to superstar closer Josh Hader from the San Diego Padres before the MLB Trade Deadline.

The market is starting to heat up ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline on Aug. 1. Teams in the hunt for the playoffs are starting to aggressively add pieces to their roster to load up for their playoff run.

The Houston Astros are no different.

Coming off their World Series championship last season, they find themselves in a fight for the AL West division, sitting one game back from the Texas Rangers entering Sunday.

Pitching has been an area highlighted by the front office that they would like to buy before the deadline.

After adding a closer from the Chicago White Sox earlier in the week, it doesn't look like they're done adding.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Astros are interested in acquiring superstar closer Josh Hader from the San Diego Padres.

The Padres have been reluctant to sell off some of their parts this season, but sitting three games below .500 and fourth in their division, there's a chance that they decide to get assets back for their best trade pieces.

Hader would be the best reliever on the market and draw massive interest from contending teams.

The closer is having arguably the best season as a professional, posting a career low 0.92 ERA and opposing batter average of .122 in 41 appearances.

Houston would certainly welcome Hader to their bullpen. Their relievers are currently 12th in the MLB with a 3.85 ERA, compared to the league best 2.80 last year.

San Diego acquired the superstar closer at the trade deadline last year and signed him to a one-year deal. He'll be entering free agency at the conclusion of the season.

The reluctance to sell could force the Astros into overpaying for Hader if they want the pitcher. If they do make the trade, they'll have acquired the best pitcher on the market.

More From SI's Inside The Astros: