Josh Hader agrees to record-setting deal with AL contender

The biggest domino in free agency for the bullpen has just fallen.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the Houston Astros have signed Josh Hader. The contract is worth $95 million over five years, setting a record for any reliever in major league history.

Hader is worth every cent of that deal for an Astros team looking to return to the World Series. He was dominant in 2023, posting a 1.28 ERA and a 1.101 WHIP over his 56.1 innings, striking out 85 batters with 30 walks. Opponents managed a meager .163/.284/.224 batting line against Hader in their 231 plate appearances as he slammed the door in the ninth inning.

The Astros had a sudden need in the bullpen. They announced on Tuesday that Kendall Graveman had undergone surgery on his right shoulder and is expected to miss the 2024 season. His loss left a gaping hole in the bullpen in terms of both performance and experience.

Hader solves that problem. Ryan Pressly, the Astros closer for the previous four years, will likely move into a setup role, pairing with Bryan Abreu to bridge the gap to the ninth inning. The Astros have a formidable trio at the back of the bullpen once more.

This may not be the only move they make in the bullpen. Rafael Montero had a miserable performance last season and will need to bounce back. The rest of their bullpen is filled with unproven youngsters. Hader could be setting up other moves.

Likewise, Hader's signing could free up a relatively slow reliever market. Most of the top relievers, such as Robert Stephenson and Hector Neris, remain available. Their markets should heat up in the coming days now that Hader is signing in Houston.