The Houston Astros made a big splash on Friday by signing All-Star closer Josh Hader to a five-year deal. Hader was considered one of the top remaining players on the free agent market.
Reportedly, Hader will receive an annual salary of $19 million, bringing the value of the deal to $95 million. His contract has a full no-trade close and doesn’t contain any deferrals, opt-outs, or team options.
Hader’s deal is the second-richest given to a closer and trails only the five-year, $102 million contract that Edwin Diaz received from the New York Mets. However, Diaz’s deal comes with $26.5 million in deferred money, and he’ll have to wait until 2042 to receive all of his money.
Hader spent the 2023 season with the San Diego Padres, posting a 1.28 ERA with a 2-3 record, 33 saves, and 85 strikeouts. The 29-year-old player made the All-MLB First Team and earned his fifth All-Star nod.
The Astros had to change their approach to free agency in order to acquire Hader. Since Jim Crane acquired the franchise in 2011, the Astros never gave a free agent a contract longer than four years or richer than $58.5 million.
However, it might be well worth it for the Houston team. With Hader joining talented set-up man Bryan Abreu and two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly, the Astros might well have the best bullpen in baseball.
