MLB Fans React As Astros Swoop In To Acquire Josh Hader

Due to Kendall Graveman’s probable season-ending right shoulder surgery, the Astros are pursuing Josh Hader, the best reliever available in the free agency market, to replace the vacuum in their bullpen.

Houston is vying to sign Hader, as per MLB Network source Jon Heyman. This isn’t exactly new; the Astros attempted to acquire Hader prior to the 2023 Trade Deadline, as revealed by Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic (subscription needed). Interestingly, Hader was a member of the Astros Minor League team for a while before joining the Brewers in the middle of the 2015 campaign.

Hader is reportedly gunning for the richest reliever contract, a title currently held by Edwin Díaz and his five-year, $102 million deal with the Mets. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com notes that with each passing day without a deal for Hader, the likelihood of him securing such a hefty contract diminishes.

Feinsand notes that despite Hader’s stellar resume, a number of teams are growing hesitant to pay high salaries for closers. When Hader’s contract finally closes, it will be interesting to watch what the final conditions are.

Even while it’s unclear if the Astros have made Hader an official offer, having him would greatly strengthen their bullpen. By combining Hader with Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly, Houston may have a strong trio at the back of their pitching staff.

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