The Houston Astros have made a significant move to extend their World Series window by signing former World Series champion closer Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract. Hader, who began his professional career in the Astros’ minor league system, returns to Houston after establishing himself as one of the premier closers in Major League Baseball.
Hader’s journey has come full circle; he was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles and traded to the Astros in 2013. In 2015, Houston traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he blossomed into a dominant bullpen force. Over his career, Hader has been a multi-time All-Star, known for his high strikeout rates and ability to close out games under pressure.
The Astros introduced Hader at a press conference at Minute Maid Park, where he expressed excitement about rejoining the organization that gave him his start. General Manager Dana Brown highlighted Hader’s track record and the immediate impact he is expected to have on the team’s bullpen.
This acquisition addresses a critical need for the Astros, who experienced bullpen challenges in the previous season. Notably, Hader’s predecessor, Ryan Pressly, had a downturn in performance, recording four saves and eight blown saves in 2024. With Hader stepping into the closer role, the Astros are considering trading Pressly to free up salary space, potentially aiding in efforts to re-sign key players like Alex Bregman.
Hader’s addition is part of a broader strategy to maintain the Astros’ competitiveness in the American League. The team has been proactive in securing talent, as evidenced by the recent contract extension of second baseman José Altuve, who signed a five-year, $125 million deal to remain with the club through 2029.
The Astros’ commitment to bolstering their roster reflects their determination to remain a formidable contender in the pursuit of another World Series title. With Hader anchoring the bullpen, the team aims to build upon its recent successes and address the challenges that hindered deeper postseason runs in the past.
