The Astros came within a win of a return to the World Series last season, but it had been a quiet offseason for Houston to this point. That changed Friday when the Astros agreed to a five-year, $95 million deal with five-time All-Star closer Josh Hader.
Hader has been among the best relievers in baseball — if not the best — since he debuted with the Brewers in 2017. The left-hander has a career 2.50 ERA and 165 saves, averaging a pristine 15 strikeouts per nine innings.
While he hit a rough patch around the time he was traded from Milwaukee to San Diego in 2022, Hader regained his form in 2023. He posted a dominant 1.28 ERA and 33 saves across 61 appearances for the Padres, setting himself up for a major payday in free agency.
The Astros learned earlier in the week that reliever Kendall Graveman is set to miss the 2024 season, which might have made Hader even more of a priority with spring training looming in February.
Here are the details on Hader’s deal with the Astros.
Josh Hader contract details
The Astros have agreed to a five-year, $95 million contract with Hader, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
BREAKING: Star closer Josh Hader and the Houston Astros are in agreement on a five-year, $95 million contract, a source tells ESPN.
The deal contains no deferrals. It is the largest present-day value contract for a relief pitcher in baseball history.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 19, 2024
Hader’s deal sets a record for the highest present-day value of any contract signed by a reliever. While Mets closer Edwin Diaz inked a five-year, $102 million contract with the Mets last offseason, the deal included significant deferrals that bring down the present-day value of the deal just below Hader’s $95 million.
The contract includes a no-trade clause and no deferrals, opt-outs or club options, according to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome.
This story will be updated.