The Houston Astros have been to every American League Championship Series since 2017.
They have won some, and they have lost some, but being always there is absolutely impressive.
They know how to succeed, and they know what they need to have to make it to those instances.
One of those things is a solid bullpen: just ask Ryan Pressly, Hector Neris, Kendall Graveman, and others.
Speaking of Graveman, the organization recently announced that he won’t be pitching in 2024 after undergoing shoulder surgery.
It’s a huge blow for the team, which could now be forced to enter the reliever market.
Neris pitched for them last year and was impressive, with a 1.71 ERA.
He is, however, seeking a $50 million deal for three seasons.
Recent reports, however, indicate that the Astros might now be looking at the top tier of the reliever market.
“The Astros are ‘making a push’ for Josh Hader, per @Ken_Rosenthal & @Chandler_Rome,” FOX Sports MLB tweeted.
The Astros are ‘making a push’ for Josh Hader, per @Ken_Rosenthal & @Chandler_Rome pic.twitter.com/fxfaLfpTaW
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 18, 2024
If Houston manages to land Hader, it will be a huge boon to their chances and a sizable blow to the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners.
He is a true difference-maker in the back of a bullpen who hasn’t signed because no one has come close to his asking price yet.
He has stated that he would like a contract similar to the one Edwin Diaz got last year from the New York Mets: a five-year, $102 million commitment.
It’s a boatload of money for a reliever, but if someone is worth that, it’s definitely Hader.
He boasts a brilliant 2.50 career ERA, with 648 strikeouts in 388.2 frames.
Will the Astros land the relief ace?
We shall see.
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