HOUSTON – An MLB source confirmed to KPRC 2 the Astros are showing interest in signing left-handed closer Josh Hader. The Athletic first reported Houston’s interest in the elite closer, who spent last season with the San Diego Padres.
Signing Hader would allow the Astros to deploy three elite-level relievers late in the game, adding the lefty to right-handed closer Ryan Pressly and right-handed setup man Bryan Abreu.
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Hader pitched to a 1.28 ERA with 33 saves in 2023, making his 5th All-Star appearance. Hader made 1st team All-MLB as closer for the third time, also making it in 2021 and 2019. Hader is also a three-time winner of the Hoffman Reliever Award (2018, 2019, 2021).
Outside of a rough six-week long stretch in 2022, where Hader had a 22.00 ERA in 9 innings, Hader has been among the most dominant closers in baseball since taking the role fulltime with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019. Hader has a 2.50 career ERA, with hitters batting .156 against him in his career.
The Astros for Hader in 2013, trading away pitcher Bud Norris to Baltimore. Houston traded Hader away in 2015, as part of the Carlos Gomes and Mike Fiers deal with the Brewers. Hader made his MLB debut with Milwaukee in 2017.
The Astros still have one of the best closers in baseball in Ryan Pressly, who is known for his postseason dominance. Pressly has never blown a save in the postseason, going 14 for 14. Since becoming the Astros closer in 2020, Pressly has given up just 3 earned runs in 34 postseason innings, for a 0.79 ERA. Pressly hasn’t given up an earned run in the postseason since the 2021 ACLS vs. Boston, going six consecutive series’ without giving up an earned run.
The Astros also have Bryan Abreu under contract control through 2026. Abreu pitched to a 1.75 ERA in 2023, and a 1.94 ERA in 2022. He has a 2.66 postseason ERA in his career.
Houston recently announced setup man Kendall Graveman underwent shoulder surgery, and will miss the 2024 season, leaving a hole in the bullpen.
