Hader Signs Five-Year Deal with the Astros

Closer Josh Hader has been one of the most efficient pitchers in the bullpen since his big-league debut in 2017. The San Diego Padres had one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory, and the team feared they'd lose their closer in free agency. This was the case, the five-time all-star signed with the Houston Astros on a five-year 95 million contract. With his potential and his skillset, the Astros have a chance to prepare for another deep playoff run. The three-time NL Reliever of the Year will look to dominate the 2024 season as he did with a dreadful Padres team last season.

Hader mainly throws three pitches, but during the 2023 season, he relied on just two. His sinker and slider were thrown about 97 percent of the time. He only threw his changeup 35 times in 2023. Most of the time, Josh Hader threw his changeup, but it landed far outside the strike zone. 29 percent, ten of his 35 changeups, landed in the strike zone. On the mound, it always seemed like Hader would throw his sinker. That’s because Josh relied on his sinker regardless of the count, whether it was 0-2 or 3-2. His sinker struck out 48 batters, the most out of his three pitches. He gave up three home runs off of his sinker, which was the only three home runs he gave up all of 2023.

In 56 appearances on the mound last season, Hader put up a record of 2-3. Through 56 innings pitched, Hader had a 1.28 ERA and 85 strikeouts. Josh had nine appearances where the five-time all-star struck out the side during the ninth inning. If Josh Hader pitches as effectively as he did in 2023, then the Astros have a legit shot at clinching a postseason spot, and perhaps winning another World Series.