Insider Questions How Josh Hader Will Fit Into Astros Bullpen
The Houston Astros enter Spring Training with massive expectations for the 2024 season. With a loss in the ALCS a season ago, the Astros are looking to get back to that spot and find a way to get the job done.
It won't be any easier this time around as there are many teams in the American League with enough to compete for a title.
Houston extended Jose Altuve and landed Josh Hader in free agency, two of the biggest moves of the offseason. Hader will have an opportunity to likely close games, although that isn't a guarantee just yet.
Skipper Joe Espada hasn't announced that Hader will be given the role over Ryan Pressly.
However, a five-year, $95 million contract shows the commitment they gave to the superstar reliever. Paying a setup man that much money would be a questionable decision.
MLB.com's Brian McTaggart discusses this potential issue heading into the season, asking how Harder will fit into the bullpen.
The Astros have said that Pressly understood the move and is on the same page as the organization. However, that hasn't been anything made public by Pressly, which leads to some interesting questions when he reports for Spring Training.
Hader has been the best closer in baseball throughout the past few seasons. The 29-year-old has been named an All-Star five times and outside of the 2022 season, has been nearly unhittable.
With a chance to play on a contending team, he should find himself in a position to close games. Despite how well Pressly has thrown in the past, Hader is a different animal and will show that in 2024.
