Josh Hader 2024 Player Outlook: Dominant Reliever Still Closing In Competitive Bullpen
3 months agoIt took Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader some time to find a home this offseason, but he was able to land close to his desired contract on a historic five-year $95 million deal. After five years of major-league dominance, Hader ran into a bit of a tumultuous situation in 2022. Registering 19 consecutive scoreless appearances to begin that season, the hard-throwing southpaw faltered for a cringe-inducing 11.45 ERA over the following 22 innings through August between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, who he was traded to at July's deadline. Following a strong September in that campaign, the multi-time All-Star entered 2023 as the Friars' clear-cut ninth-inning man and recaptured his dominant ways in the form of a sparkling 1.28 ERA (2.69 FIP), 1.10 WHIP, 85:30 K:BB, and 33 saves across 56 1/3 frames on his way back atop the closing food chain. That's not to mention an elite 36.8% strikeout rate and unbelievable .157 expected batting average allowed. Hader and Ryan Pressly perhaps form baseball’s premier one-two punch out of Houston’s bullpen, and manager Joe Espada confirmed to reporters on Feb. 14 that Hader will be the team's closer this season, quelling whatever doubt that remained regarding the newcomer’s role in his new digs. Hader's overpowering stuff also gives him the edge over the 35-year-old Pressly's finesse style in gaining a stranglehold on fireman duties, but his wild 13.0% walk rate could hand him quicker hooks. The forever-contending Astros should set up plenty of save chances, however, meaning Hader remains firmly in play as a top-five fantasy reliever and a fourth- or fifth-round pick in 2024 drafts.