The Houston Astros have had a very strong start to 2024.
After reaching settlements with several key players to avoid arbitration, the two-time World Champions have added one of the best relief arms in baseball, signing Josh Hader to a 5-year, $95 million deal, according to ESPN”s Jeff Passan.
Hader is a five-time MLB All-Star, posting a career 2.50 ERA with 165 saves and 648 strikeouts in 388.2 innings pitched. The 19th-round selection started his career in Milwaukee before spending the 2022 season between Toronto, Milwaukee, and San Diego.
2023 was one of the best of Hader’s career, appearing in 61 games and posting a 1.28 ERA, giving up 11 runs and striking out 85 batters. He was named an All-Star as a member of the Padres.
The contract has no deferrals and it is being reported as the largest value contract for a relief pitcher in baseball history.
Hader will join an elite bullpen, which already contains Ryan Pressly. Between Hader and Pressly, the Astros will undoubtedly have the best 1-2 punch in all of the MLB.