Ryan Pressly is one of the best closers in postseason history. But the Houston Astros may want him to share ninth-inning duties or move him out 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 pushing for Hader, according to sources briefed on their discussions. Hader, 29, is seeking a contract that exceeds Edwin Díaz's five-year, $102 million contract with the New York Mets, the largest contract for a reliever.
The addition of Hader would significantly bolster the Astros' bullpen as they contend with the loss of right-handed setup man Kendall Graveman, who is expected to miss the entire 2024 season after shoulder surgery.
The Astros' interest in Hader isn't new – they wanted him at the trade deadline last season. However, the move would raise questions about how first-year manager Joe Espada would handle the closer role. If the Astros sign Hader to a record deal or something similar, it won't be because they want him to pitch the ninth inning. And Hader might disagree with such use.
In the modern era of baseball, which began in 1901, Hader is a career batting average leader with a .156 opponent 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 was the lowest in the majors (minimum 1,000 pitches).
The 35-year-old Pressly has 14 of 14 save opportunities with a 2.22 ERA in 44 2/3 innings in the postseason. He is on a streak of 20 games in the playoffs without allowing a run.
During the 2023 regular season, Pressly made 31 of 37 save opportunities with a 3.58 ERA. He has been the Astros' full-time closer for the past four seasons.
Signing Hader would also be an opportunity for the Astros to right a past mistake. The Astros acquired Hader as a minor league player as part of a deal for pitcher Bud Norris at the 2013 deadline, then traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers at the deadline two years later as part of a package for outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitcher Mike Fiers.
(Photo by Josh Hader: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)