Astros Sign Josh Hader to a $95 Million Contract: Biggest Present-Day Value Deal for Relief Pitcher

We’ve got some action baseball fans! A closing pitcher free agent is on the move. The Houston Astros sign Josh Hader to a $95 million contract in their quest to win yet another World Series. Furthermore, this deal is on a historic scale as well; being the biggest present day value contract for a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball history.

ESPN’s and everyone’s favorite sports guy, Jeff Passan breaks the news. Passan states,

“BREAKING: Star closer Josh Hader and the Houston Astros are in agreement on a five-year, $95 million contract, a source tells ESPN. The deal contains no deferrals. It is the largest present-day value contract for a relief pitcher in baseball history.”

Furthermore, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, also gets in on all the Hader contract confirmation fun. Also, nicely explains why it’s the largest value deal for a relief. He backs up Passan’s intel by saying,

“The Houston Astros strike: They sign All-Star closer Josh Hader to a 5-year, $95 million deal, the 2nd-largest given to a reliever in baseball history. Jeff Passan reports there is no deferred money in the deal so highest for present-day value.”

Astros Sign Josh Hader to $95 Million Contract- Biggest Present-Day Value Deal for Relief Pitcher

As everyone knows, adding Josh Hader is one heck of a move by the Houston Astros. Hader is looked at being one of the best (if not the best by some’s own standards and definition of talent); closer in the game. One fun fact that MLB Network states about Hader and the Astros is:

“The bullpen with the highest K/9 in baseball last season? The Houston Astros (10.0) Josh Hader’s K/9 for his career? 15.0.”

Moreover, Greg Amsinger of MLB Network’s MLB Tonight thinks the Astros move to snatch up Hader makes their pen much scarier for the league to face. He went on to say, “I think it is the best bullpen in the American League, might be the best bullpen in baseball now.”

We can understand Greg’s thinking on the matter. Especially, when you look at the backend of Houston’s bullpen now. Now as the game gets late, batters will be facing:

• Josh Hader
• Ryan Pressly
• Bryan Abreu

Therefore, teams will do well to get that scoring in early. Between Josh Hader, Ryan Pressly, and Bryan Abreu the Astros now have 3 of the top 23 leaders among relief pitchers in swinging strike rate from last season. Hader and Abreu were both top-14 in K-BB%. Pressly and Abreu were both top-4 in Stuff+.

Josh Hader Joins Houston Astros- The Effect

Also, Hader was insanely lights out in 2023. According to Maanav Gupta of MG Sports Talk; the stud that is Josh Hader is very likely to improve Houston even more. Gupta mentions,

“Josh Hader can keep the Astros bullpen top notch. 5 years, 95 million is largest value contract for a relief pitcher in MLB history Hader in 2023: 1.28 ERA in 61 games 1.10 WHIP 85 strikeouts in 56.1 IP 33/38 in saves Only 3 HR given up.”

The addition of Hader was a must for Houston. They have to contend with the bat slinging Rays, youthful and energetic Orioles, and also the world champs, Texas Rangers. Moreover, even the Yankees are making strides to get back in contention by trading for generational talent, Juan Soto; during the 2023 offseason.

Houston is still very much in the thick of things when it comes to playoffs. No need to panic whatsoever. But they’re not trying to get left behind in anyway either. Getting Hader helps to keep the roster strong, and they have him for five years. Plenty of time for them to attempt to add another piece of hardware to their collection.

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