Houston Astros reportedly seeking All-Star closer Josh Hader discusses the free agent market.
Josh Hader has been one of baseball’s top relievers in recent years, and the Houston Astros are looking to add him to a bullpen that recently lost Kendall Graveman to injury.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Houston Astros are attempting to sign free agency closer Josh Hader.
Houston’s late-inning alternatives appeared to be among the best in the American League only a week ago, with two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly and dependable veteran Kendall Graveman. But, with Graveman expected to miss the whole 2024 season due to a recent shoulder injury, the Astros appear to be seeking for bullpen reinforcements.
Houston’s late-inning alternatives appeared to be among the best in the American League only a week ago, with two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly and dependable veteran Kendall Graveman. But, with Graveman expected to miss the whole 2024 season due to a recent shoulder injury, the Astros appear to be seeking for bullpen reinforcements.
Hader, the top free agent on the market, is coming off another All-Star season with the San Diego Padres in 2023. Since making his major league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017, Hader has a 2.50 ERA, 0.944 WHIP, 15.0 strikeouts per nine innings, and 165 saves.
According to Rosenthal and Rome, the 29-year-old left-hander hopes to break the record for the richest contract ever signed by a closer. The New York Mets signed Edwin Diaz to a five-year, $102 million contract last offseason, setting a new record for relievers.
Hader is a five-time All-Star and three-time Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award recipient, making him one of the most decorated active closers.
According to The Athletic, the Astros attempted to acquire Hader at the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline. The deal, however, was never completed, and they eventually made a trade with the Chicago White Sox for Graveman.
If the Astros were to sign Hader this time, their payroll would undoubtedly exceed the luxury tax threshold. There would also be an ongoing battle between Hader and Pressly for the closer position in Houston.
In 2023, Hader has a 2-3 record with a 1.28 ERA, 1.101 WHIP, 13.6 strikeouts per nine innings, 33 saves, and 2.4 WAR. Pressly, on the other hand, finished 3-5 with a 3.58 ERA, 1.071 WHIP, 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings, 31 saves, and 0.1 WAR.
