The Houston Astros pitching staff already suffered its first blow ahead of the 2024 MLB season, losing standout reliever Kendall Graveman to a season-ending injury. In the wake of the news, Houston is reportedly making an aggressive push to sign one of the best pitchers in MLB free agency.
Graveman, a 2023 trade deadline acquisition, was one of Houston’s best pitchers in the second half of the season. The 33-year-old reliever was poised to function as a top late-inning option for the Astros this upcoming season. Suddenly, he’s done for the year and Houston has been forced to pivot to alternatives.
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While there are several intriguing options currently in the Astros’ system, with each of them expected to have a shot to prove themselves in spring training, Houston needs consistency. That seems to be why the Astros’ front office has been given the green light in free agency.
- Josh Hader stats 2023: 1.28 ERA, 13.58 K/9, 0.48 HR/9, .162 batting average allowed, 36.8% K-rate
According to Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Astros are in active talks and “making a push” to sign All-Star closer Josh Hader to fortify the back of their bullpen.
Signing Hader wouldn’t be cheap. The top-paid closers in 2024 are all making at least $16 million per season. Considering Edwin Diaz is earning $19.65 million this year, Hader could try and push for a multi-year deal with a $20 million average annual value.
- Josh Hader career stats: 42.2% strikeout rate, 32% K-BB rate, ..155 batting average allowed, 0.94 WHIP, 2.50 ERA, 15.01 K/9, 165 saves in 388.2 innings pitched
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If Hader lands in Houston, it would have ripple effects on the Astros’ bullpen. Ryan Pressly, a two-time All-Star, would shift back into a set-up role. Over the last three seasons, Pressly has compiled a 2.94 ERA, 0.985 WHIP and 11.1 K/9 with 90 saves in 177.2 innings pitched. Signing Hader would immediately give Houston one of the best bullpen duos in the majors.
