MLB Rumors: Astros 'Making a Push' for Josh Hader Contract in Free Agency

The Houston Astros are in the market for a closer this winter as they aim to build a title contender, and it appears they've set their sights on perhaps the best one available in free agency.

Houston is "making a push" to sign Josh Hader with spring training right around the corner, according to The Athletic.

With Kendall Graveman expected to miss the entire 2024 campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery, adding another reliever appears to be a priority for the Astros.

Ryan Pressly has been a solid closer for the Astros, but Hader is considered the better arm. Should Houston sign Hader, it's likely Pressly would be supplanted as the team's closer.

Hader won't come cheap for the Astros, which already have the fifth-highest payroll for 2024 at $229.2 million, per Spotrac.

Hader is seeking a deal worth more than the five-year, $102 million contract Edwin Díaz signed with the New York Mets last year, according to SNY's Andy Martino. He would become the highest-paid closer in Major League Baseball history if he surpassed that mark.

Teams may have balked at that asking price to this point as MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported Wednesday that "with each passing day, it appears his chances of surpassing the five-year, $102 million contract Edwin Díaz signed with the Mets last year become less likely."

After falling to their in-state rival Texas Rangers in the 2023 American League Championship Series, the Astros are aiming to make it back to the World Series in 2024, and Hader would certainly help their chances.

Hader spent the last season and a half with the San Diego Padres after coming over in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2022 season. San Diego struggled as a whole in 2023, but Hader went 2-3 with a 1.28 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 85 strikeouts and 33 saves in 56.1 innings across 52 games.

In addition to the Astros, Hader has also been linked to the Rangers, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason.