Ryan Pressly is one of the best closers in postseason history. But the Houston Astros might want him to share ninth-inning duties or supplant him entirely in 2024.
The reason: They are trying to sign free agent Josh Hader, who is considered perhaps the best closer in the game.
The Astros are making a push for Hader, according to sources briefed on their discussions. Hader, 29, has been seeking a contract above Edwin Díaz’s five-year, $102 million deal with the Mets, the largest for a reliever.
The addition of Hader would significantly reinforce the Astros’ bullpen at a time they are dealing with the loss of right-handed setup man Kendall Graveman, who is expected to miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The Astros’ interest in Hader is not new — they wanted him at the trade deadline last season. The move, however, would raise questions about how first-year manager Joe Espada would handle the closer role. If the Astros sign Hader to a record contract or something close, it will not be because they want him to share the ninth inning. And Hader might not agree to such usage.
In the modern baseball era, starting in 1901, Hader is the career leader with a .156 opponents’ batting average and 15 strikeouts per nine innings (minimum 300 innings). His average fastball velocity dropped from 97.4 in 2022 to 96.1 in 2023 while his walk rate increased from 9.6 percent to a career-high 13 percent. But his .157 expected batting average against was the lowest in the majors (minimum, 1,000 pitches).
Pressly, 35, is 14-for-14 in postseason save opportunities with a 2.22 ERA in 44 2/3 innings. He has a streak of 20 games in the playoffs without allowing a run.
During the 2023 regular season, Pressly went 31-for-37 in save opportunities with a 3.58 ERA. He has been the Astros’ full-time closer for the past four seasons.
The signing of Hader also would represent an opportunity for the Astros to correct a past mistake. The Astros acquired Hader as a minor leaguer as part of a deal for pitcher Bud Norris at the 2013 deadline, then traded him to the Brewers at the deadline two years later as part of a package for outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitcher Mike Fiers.
(Photo of Josh Hader: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
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