The Houston Astros pulled off a major signing this Friday, securing star closer Josh Hader for a 5-year, $95 million contract, according to ESPN. The deal, which will start with the 2024 season, is the largest ever for a reliever in Major League Baseball with no deferrals.
This signing is a departure from the Astros’ usual approach to contracts, as owner Jim Crane typically avoids deals of this magnitude. However, Hader’s impressive performance with the San Diego Padres last season, where he had a 1.28 ERA with 85 strikeouts, 30 walks, and 33 saves, clearly caught the Astros’ attention.
According to Spotrac, Hader’s previous contract value was $87 million for 5 seasons, making this new deal a testament to his status as one of the top relievers in the league.
It was reported that Hader had set his sights on a better contract than the one secured by Edwin Díaz with the New York Mets for 5 years and $102 million. While he didn’t surpass that amount, he will become the highest paid closer in the MLB starting next season.
The Astros’ acquisition of Hader also provides them with flexibility in the bullpen, potentially allowing them to trade Héctor Neris to another team with confidence that they have already secured the best closer in the league.
Overall, this strategic and high-weight signing reflects the Astros’ commitment to fortifying their roster and making a strong push for success in the upcoming seasons.