Houston Astros Sign All-Star Relief Pitcher Josh Hader to Five-Year, $95 Million Contract

The Houston Astros have made a major move to address their biggest offseason need, as they have agreed to a five-year, $95 million contract with free-agent All-Star relief pitcher Josh Hader. The deal, pending a physical, brings Hader back to the Astros organization where he began his career. The team has not officially announced the signing yet.

Hader, a left-handed pitcher, was named the Astros’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2014 before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015. This signing comes shortly after the Astros lost Kendall Graveman for the season due to shoulder surgery.

The Astros’ bullpen took a hit this offseason with the departures of Hector Neris, Phil Maton, and Ryne Stanek in free agency. The addition of Hader gives the Astros a formidable back end of the bullpen, joining Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu.

According to sources, Hader’s contract will pay him $19 million per season and does not include any opt-outs or club options. The total value of $95 million surpasses Edwin Díaz’s $102 million contract with the Mets signed last winter.

Hader’s deal also includes a full no-trade clause and a bonus for winning the Reliever of the Year Award. The Astros will forfeit a pick in the 2024 MLB Draft due to Hader declining a qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres.

Considered one of the premier left-handed relievers in MLB, Hader earned five All-Star selections before hitting free agency. He had a dominant 2023 season with the Padres, posting a 1.28 ERA and holding opposing hitters to a .163 average. While his strikeout rate was slightly lower than previous years, it still ranked in the 99th percentile in the league.

Hader’s arsenal includes a sinker that averaged 96.1 mph, a slider that was tough for hitters to handle, and an effective changeup. He ranks highly in various Statcast metrics, including strikeout percentage, walk percentage, chase rate, and whiff rate.

Although Hader struggled with walks in 2023, his rebound season solidified his status as one of the top free-agent relievers. The Astros now boast one of the youngest and most talented bullpens in the league with the addition of Hader.