The Houston Astros and All-Star closer Josh Hader agreed to a five-year, $95-million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.
The deal has no deferrals and is the largest contract, by present-day value, for a relief pitcher in MLB history, Passan adds.
Hader’s deal has no opt outs or club options, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 19, 2024
Hader's new contract is the largest free-agent deal for the Astros under owner Jim Crane, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.
Astros general manager Dana Brown said Saturday the agreement with Hader came together within the last 72 hours. He added that current Astros closer Ryan Pressly is "all in" on adding the five-time All-Star.
Hader enjoyed another strong season on the mound in 2023. The 29-year-old registered a sparkling 1.28 ERA with an impressive 13.58 K/9 and 33 saves in 61 appearances for the San Diego Padres.
He leads all MLB relievers in saves (153) and is second in both K/9 (15.15) and fWAR (7.6) since 2019.
Hader began his MLB career with the Milwaukee Brewers, winning NL reliever of the year three times between 2018-21. He owns a career 2.50 ERA with 165 saves and 648 strikeouts across 388 2/3 innings.
