Astros Sign Josh Hader to Record $95 Million Deal

The five-year contract, the largest ever for a reliever, bolsters an already strong Astros bullpen and reasserts the team as American League favorites.

Josh Hader, one of the top relievers in baseball, has agreed to a five-year deal with the Houston Astros worth $95 million, making it the biggest-ever contract given to a reliever in terms of present-day value.
The Astros' acquisition of Hader is seen as a significant move to bolster their team, which has made seven consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series.
Hader's contract includes a full no-trade clause and no deferred money, and he will be paid $19 million annually.
Hader, who had a standout season with the San Diego Padres in 2023, will join an already strong Astros bullpen that includes Ryan Pressly, who has accumulated 90 saves over the last three years.
The signing of Hader is expected to reassert the Astros as the American League favorites and close the gap on their AL West rivals, the Texas Rangers, who won the World Series last year.