Astros sign All-Star reliever Josh Hader

One day after reports emerged that the team was in pursuit, news emerged Friday that the Houston Astros will sign reliever Josh Hader.

A five-time All-Star, Hader will join the Astros and move to the American League for the first time in his career. He previously spent his big league career with the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. He signed a contract worth $95 million across five years. It’s the most lucrative contract for a reliever in Major League Baseball history.

The news of Hader’s signing with the Astros arrived on Friday afternoon. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was among those to report the news.

“Star closer Josh Hader and the Houston Astros are in agreement on a five-year, $95 million contract,” Passan posted. Passan added that “the deal contains no deferrals. It is the largest present-day value contract for a relief pitcher in baseball history.” So it’s a historically significant signing for Hader, the Astros, and relievers everywhere.

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, 29, will turn 30 this April and has had a strong career out of the bullpen. The former five-time All-Star stood out with the Brewers and the Astros. He produced a prodigious enough 2018 season that landed him seventh in National League Cy Young voting as a reliever.

In his career, Hader has posted a 2.50 ERA with 648 strikeouts in 388.2 innings pitched. That’s good for an incredible K/9 ratio of exactly 15.0. Safe to say, Hader has been one of the most unhittable relievers in MLB since 2017.

This is quite a move for the Astros, who’ll hope to bolster their staff and continue to be in the hunt like they have perenially… also since 2017.

[Jeff Passan]