Josh Hader Signs Five-Year, $95 Million Deal with Houston Astros

Photo credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Five-time all-star and three-time reliver of the year, Josh Hader has signed with the Houston Astros. The deal was struck on Jan. 19, for five years $95 million. The lefty Hader will join Ryan Pressly in the back end of Houston’s bullpen.

The prolific Hader continues his dominance in baseball after signing the largest deal for a relief pitcher in present-day value. In his seven-year career, Hader has totaled 165 saves and averages 32 saves in 162 games. Last season, with the San Diego Padres, Hader pitched to the tune of a 1.28 earned run average (ERA) and 33 saves.

This signing comes shortly after the news of high leverage relief pitcher Kendall Graveman that is expected to miss the 2024 season with shoulder surgery.

The main star closer in Houston over the last three-years was Ryan Pressly, however with Hader joining the squad, Pressly is expected to move down to the set-up, to the eighth inning role. Since 2021 Pressly has accumulated 90 saves at an average 88.6% success rate in that time frame.

The fire-balling lefty, Hader is a huge boost to the Houston Astros’ dynasty. The Astros have made it to the American League Championship Series seven-times in the last seven-years and they look to do so for the eighth-year in a row. With mighty competition in the American League, will Hader be enough to get the Houston Astros in the World Series again?