Josh Hader Signs Megadeal With Astros
11 months agoThe Houston Astros have signed Josh Hader to a historic five-year, $95 million contract. While the total sum does not surpass the five-year, $102 million deal Edwin Diaz netted from the Mets prior to the 2023 season, it is the largest present-day value contract for a reliever in MLB history as it does not contain referrals. It had been reported recently that the Astros were making a strong push for Hader and they have now landed the best free-agent relief pitcher available. The left-hander struggled in the 2022 season but delivered an eye-popping 1.28 ERA and 36.8 K%, albeit alongside a 13% BB%, across 61 appearances for the Padres in 2023, locking down 33 saves in the process. The 29-year-old owns a career 2.50 ERA across 349 career appearances, posting a 42.2% K% and 32% K-BB% along with 165 saves in that time.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan