Is Hader Really the Astros' Best Option for Closer?

The Houston Astros made one of the bigger splashes in the MLB free agency this winter when they signed relief pitcher Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract.

It is one of the biggest free agency contracts that Astros owner Jim Crane has doled out and it also marks the largest contract a reliever has ever signed in terms of present day value considering there are no deferrals. 

Hader exceeded his market valuation with the deal, but for some reason there are outlets claiming he may not actually be the best closing option on the roster. 

In fact, FanSided claims that Bryan Abreu may actually outshine Hader this season. 

Mind you, the author did a pretty good dive into some numbers and Abreu's numbers in 2023 were comparable to Hader's. Abreu also threw more 15 more innings, which in this day in age of baseball should and does count for something. 

So the idea that Abreu could be better than Hader this year is not far-fetched. 

However, one factor to look at in a reliever's performance is the situations he is asked to pitch in. 

For Hader, he played on the Milwaukee Brewers last season, a team that did not make the playoffs and did not have as many opportunities for him to take the mound in a save situation. Houston, on the other hand, won their division and came one game away from another World Series appearance. 

Speaking of scenarios, Abreu also had the benefit of pitching in a lower leverage role than closer. The righty earned five saves in 2023, only stepping into the role when Ryan Pressly was unavailable from the bullpen. 

In the end, it's not a crazy thought, but Hader has more than proved he is the near $100 million man for very good reason. There are very few who can compete with the talent and resume Hader has earned.