According to reports, the Astros are interested in acquiring Josh Hader. How would he complement their team?
Reports suggest that the Houston Astros are actively pursuing free agent left-handed closer Josh Hader, as per The Athletic. This move comes as the Astros aim to address the void left in their bullpen, particularly after the departure of Kendall Graveman. Despite having a reliable closer in Ryan Pressly, who has effectively served in that role for the past four years and boasts an impressive postseason track record, the Astros are considering adding Hader to their pitching roster.
Hader currently holds the distinction of being the career leader in opponents’ batting average (.156) and strikeouts per nine innings (15), surpassing Pressly’s numbers in these categories (.229 and 9.6, respectively). Pressly, whose contract includes a vesting option for 2025, is set to receive $14 million in the final year. The report indicates that the Astros previously expressed interest in Hader during last season’s trade deadline.
While Pressly has excelled as a setup man and secured a record-setting extension for a reliever not serving as a closer in 2019, Hader’s potential acquisition might prompt a reevaluation of roles. Hader, with a season WAR of 2.5 (second only to Reynaldo Lopez in the free agent relief pitcher market), appears well-suited for the closer position. Pressly, with a season WAR of 0.1 this year and a career WAR of 9.7, you may need to consider transitioning to a middle relief role.
The Astros could explore the option of having Hader share closing duties, similar to Hector Neris’ role as the setup man for Pressly in 2022. However, it’s suggested that Hader is likely seeking a longer-term deal with significant financial considerations. General manager Dana Brown has previously expressed openness to such negotiations, emphasizing a willingness to “meet in the middle” in such situations.
Despite Hader’s past experience in the setup role, he is viewed as the superior option for the closer position, relying on his sinker and slider with occasional use of a change-up. Pressly, on the other hand, offers versatility with a broader pitching repertoire, including a slider, curveball, four-seam fastball, and changeup, making him a valuable choice for middle relief.
The potential combination of Hader and Pressly, along with emerging talent, could provide the Astros with a well-rounded solution to address their bullpen needs.
