The Astros are “making a push” to sign left-hander Josh Hader, per a report from Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The southpaw is represented by CAA Sports.
It hasn’t yet been reported what kind of contract discussions are taking place between the club and Hader’s representatives, but it will undoubtedly involve significant numbers. It was reported earlier this month that Hader was aiming to set a new benchmark for relievers by surpassing the Edwin Díaz deal from just over a year ago. Díaz re-signed with the Mets for $102MM over five years, though deferrals dropped the competitive balance tax value to $93MM. At the start of the offseason, MLBTR predicted that Hader could indeed set a new record by getting to $110MM over six years.
Those hefty proposals are a reflection of Hader’s incredible work to this point in his career. Over 349 career appearances dating back to his 2017 debut, he has allowed just 2.50 earned runs per nine innings. His 10.2% walk rate is a tad high, but he has punched out 42.2% of batters that have stepped into the box against him. That included a strange blip in 2022 when his ERA jumped to 5.22, but the peripherals were still strong and he righted the ship last year, getting that ERA all the way down to 1.28.
The vast majority of that work has come as a closer, with Hader having racked up at least 33 saves in each of the past four full seasons, as well as 13 in the shortened 2020 campaign. These kinds of elite closers don’t grow on trees. That 42.2% strikeout rate over the past seven years is the highest in baseball among those with at least five innings pitched. Díaz has punched out 40.3% of opponents in his career, though with a better walk rate than Hader and more ground balls.
If the Astros end up sealing the deal with Hader, the details will come out and we will find out how the deal compares to the one Díaz signed with the Mets. It hasn’t been a secret that Houston has been looking to upgrade its bullpen, but it is at least a bit surprising to see them going after the top available free agent. The club has only once pushed their payroll into competitive balance tax territory, and that was in the shortened 2020 season when MLB suspended the tax system amid the pandemic.
That means the franchise still technically hasn’t “paid” the tax, but it seems as though 2024 may be the year. Roster Resource currently estimates that the club’s CBT number is just over $236MM, with this year’s base threshold set for $237MM. That means that adding essentially any money at all would push them over the line. If Hader were to secure the six-year, $110MM deal that MLBTR predicted, that would come with a CBT hit of $18.33MM.
The fact that the club may be willing to finally step onto the other side of that line is perhaps a reflection of their bullpen situation. They lost each of Héctor Neris, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek to free agency at the end of last year, subtracting three notable arms from their relief mix. General manager Dana Brown has frequently spoken about the need for bullpen upgrades this winter, and the situation got even worse with the recent news that Kendall Graveman will miss the entire 2024 campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The club still has Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu as a strong foundation in the bullpen, but there’s plenty of uncertainty beyond those two. Rafael Montero parlayed a strong 2022 into a three-year, $34.5MM deal with Houston but then posted an ERA of 5.08 last year. Other than swingman Brandon Bielak, they don’t have any other relievers with two years of major league service time.
This week, Brown maintained that the club’s bullpen plans wouldn’t “intensify” due to the Graveman news, but perhaps it has inspired owner Jim Crane to push beyond his usual limits in order to address the relief corps. One pitcher wouldn’t eliminate the concerns around the overall depth, but the trio of Hader, Pressly and Abreu would be one of the most dominant late-inning groups in the sport.
Of course, it’s also possible the club could look to move some other contracts around in order to limbo back under the line, but that would come with its own challenges. There had been some speculation earlier this winter that Framber Valdez could be available for financial reasons, but that seemed to be a bit of wishful thinking coming from rival clubs as opposed to the Astros genuinely looking to move him. The lefty is going to make $12.1MM this year, and has one more season of arbitration control remaining, but trading him would open up a big hole in the rotation that is already going to start the season without Luis García and Lance McCullers Jr. due to injuries.
Beyond Valdez, Graveman has a CBT hit of $8MM but would be hard to move since he’s going to miss the entire season and then become a free agent. Houston would have to include some other talent, likely prospects, in order to make it worth it for another club to take that contract on. McCullers has a CBT hit of $17MM but similar logic would apply. His deal runs through 2026 but his significant health issues in his career and especially in recent years might make it hard for a deal to come together. Montero’s $11.5MM CBT hit over the next two seasons won’t be easily jettisoned after this down year.
Of course, all this is speculative under a deal with Hader is actually completed. There are still no details of what is being discussed or if it’s close to being completed. He has also received reported interest from the Orioles, while clubs like the Yankees, Rangers and Dodgers have been mentioned as speculative fits. Hader rejected a qualifying offer from the Padres so any signing club, whether it’s the Astros or someone else, will be subject to draft pick forfeiture and possibly a loss of international bonus pool money as well.
vaderzim
Finally.
pohle
same, had this in my FA predictions i thought his market might fall
LordD99
Finally what? So far just a rumor. Makes sense though.
vaderzim
Finally an interesting rumor.
Yariel Rodriguez was interesting, but we’re stuck in the limbo of knowing a team is going to sign him, but we won’t know contract details or corresponding moves for a few days.
dantheman1997
So long as the Yankees or dodgers don’t get him I’m fine with this lol
Anthony maresca
Yankees days of spending $17-20 million for a Closer not named Rivera are ovah!!!!
swagsuperawesomeepiccoolman123
thank goodness!! i knew cashman would be at least smart enough to not sign this guy
99CaptainJudge99
$25 million dollars a year for an All Star closer for the Yankees should be nothing. Hader looks like a future Hall Of Famer also. Obviously he’s no Mo, but who is?
Seamaholic
It would cost them double that due to taxes.
LambchoP
Great pitcher, but is he really worth that much money for that many years?
Eatdust666
No one is, especially since unlike some other guys that were elite for many years, Mo was able for the most part to still be consistently great late his career, as he didn’t heavily rely on velocity and when those other guys had their drops of velocity, they became much more hittable.
nukeg
Billy Wagner and Frankie Rodriguez are not in the HOF. Relief pitchers have a steep hill to climb for the Hall. Hader would have to basically repeat his best years well into his 30s for consideration. I don’t see that happening.
Fever Pitch Guy
Cap – I know one person who would answer your question with “Brasier”.
JackStrawb
Nor do I. Hader and Wagner have identifical FIPs, with Wagner having the far superior ERA+, and Wagner did it in 903 ip to 388 ip, thus far.
Hader can hardly be a favorite to beat Wagner from here on out.
rememberthecoop
Over before the days ever started. Yankees have never paid that much for a reliever. No one has except the Mets. I do think that Hader beats the Diaz deal. 6/110 sounds very likely. But he looks like he uses max effort on each pitch- heck they all do, and that’s why velo is up – but it’s also an injury concern going forward.
VegasSDfan
Hader is looking at 3/75. Thats my prediction. With options for 4/5
Longtimecoming
Vegas you are entitled to your thoughts but so far you have been grossly low (Snell) in relation to what the experts have predicted.
Considering some guys have blown the top off of the predictions even, I’m not sure your low ball (snell laughed at the Yankees 5/150 which I think was your prediction) projections.
We will all see in the end – who knows at this point. I just think you are low balling when experts are saying much higher is all I’m saying.
I’m coming at you for your prediction so much as I’m questioning the reality of it in light of all info out there.
stymeedone
Regardless of whether he laughed, Snell hasn’t signed, so neither of you can be considered correct with your prediction.
Longtimecoming
Styme – no idea what you are saying.
I’ve had snell at 7/210 from the beginning. You can find it in many posts.
I was referring to what I believe Vegas had Snell at 5/150 – not me.
Fever Pitch Guy
Long – You think his $25M AAV is low?
Sorry dude, his AAV will be below $20M unless there’s deferrals.
Longtimecoming
Never questioned the AAV.
The total is low. He wants Díaz’ money and someone will pay it.
May lower AAV of course.
nukeg
Im with you Vegas, the predicted “110MM over six years” is just not what relievers are going for in the current market.
I’ve always been a fan of Hader, but to generate power from a 5’11 180 lb body is not easy. His delivery is violent. Usually that doesn’t translate to long term health and success.
Sure smaller guys like Wagner and KRod have done it, but there’s def a risk. With risk comes some needed insurance. I think a high AAV and lower year total is in play here.
case
Don’t worry, Hader’s past tweets are a great fit with the Houston organization.
Barkerboy
Tweets?
Cardsfan21
Ah yes, digging up decades old tweets from when a dude was in high school gives you such an accurate portrayal of their character. God knows boys/men who play sports never say inappropriate things.
One of our guys made a tweet using a “homophobic slur” about a teammate who was a friend of his. Made the tweet when he was like 16 and had to give a BS apology about it.
I made the same slur many times growing up, before I became a perfect human being just like you. It’s almost like people aren’t fully aware of how to be a grown up when they are teenagers and stuff. I’m glad I grew up before social media could make a highlight reel of every wrong I’ve ever done.
filihok
CF
“Ah yes, digging up decades old tweets from when a dude was in high school gives you such an accurate portrayal of their character. God knows boys/men who play sports never say inappropriate things.
One of our guys made a tweet using a “homophobic slur” about a teammate who was a friend of his. Made the tweet when he was like 16 and had to give a BS apology about it.
I made the same slur many times growing up, before I became a perfect human being just like you. It’s almost like people aren’t fully aware of how to be a grown up when they are teenagers and stuff. I’m glad I grew up before social media could make a highlight reel of every wrong I’ve ever done”
Seems like you’re still not grown up. Or at least not mature
Why didn’t you’re friend give a real apol9gy?
Beff Jagwell
Because they do t have to, or need to, apologize. People need to stop being so sensitive and expecting the world to bow to their weak feelings. Try eating some red meat and cut off your man-bun.
filihok
BJ
“People need to stop being so sensitive and expecting the world to bow to their weak feelings.”
Right
That’s why he should apologize
Imagine being so weak that you can’t admit that something you did was wrong.
Beff Jagwell
I can tell you wear man capris and probably have a man-bun, and most likely are a 35 year old barista at Starbucks.
Imagine being so weak that you think the world owes you an apology when your feelings are hurt by words they said. Go eat your kale salad with tofu.
filihok
BJ
“I can tell you wear man capris and probably have a man-bun, and most likely are a 35 year old barista at Starbucks.”
Imagine being so weak that your attempted insults have to be completely fabricated.
Again, if you do something wrong you should apologize. No shame in that.
PS
MLBTR, what the hell did you do to the mute button?
case
The best part was when his family had to change out of their Hader jerseys and sneak out of the all star game 🙂
People are so sensitive about white teenagers repeatedly using the n word and expressing their hatred for gay people 🙁
filihok
Case
Not sure what’s sarcasm here and what’s not. But
“The best part was when his family had to change out of their Hader jerseys and sneak out of the all star game ”
No. Harassing one person for the actions of another isn’t cool.
“People are so sensitive about white teenagers repeatedly using the n word and expressing their hatred for gay people ”
Use of the “n word” and hatred for gay people isn’t good. And it shouldn’t be accepted.
case
Media asking parents why their son would tweet those sort of things isn’t really harassment, though I understand the impulse to duck out and outsource the response to the Brewers public relations firm.
Cardsfan21
Yeah, Fili, you’re right. I should call up my schoolyard buddies that I haven’t talked to in 30+ years and apologize for using a word that we felt was interchangeable with generic insults like douchebag. I can’t believe I traumatized them like that (even though we all called each other the same “slur”) and I’m sure they haven’t had a good nights sleep since elementary/middle school because of the absolute torture being called that name must have put them through.
We get it, you are virtuous and perfect. Now, get bent…
filihok
Cf
“Yeah, Fili, you’re right. I should call up my schoolyard buddies that I haven’t talked to in 30+ years and apologize for using a word that we felt was interchangeable with generic insults like douchebag”
1) you shouldn’t use the misogynist “douchebag” either
2) why shouldn’t one apologize for doing something wrong?
Watch this: I also used that same, I assume, word. I didn’t fully understand the ramifications of using it. I didn’t understand that by trying to insult someone by using that word, I was tacitly saying that being gay was bad.
I understand that now and no longer use that word and encourage others not yo and to think about why they shouldn’t use that or other slurs.
Look how easy that was.
filihok
Cf
Muted
mlbdodgerfan2015
As a Dodger fan I’m hoping that the Dodgers don’t get him. Realistically, no way that Friedman will pay up for a closer like that, as good as Hader is. Plenty of cheaper options to close games. It’s an overrated position and way too much money spent on it. Get cheaper quality arms and spend that money elsewhere.
stymeedone
Cheaper arms are seldom quality. Do you want quality? Or do you want cheap?
mlbdodgerfan2015
Year in and year out Dodgers consistently at the top of most relief pitching stat categories using this formula of not overspending on bullpen arms and finding cheaper sources of relief pitching. I’d say that’s quality.
Last three seasons combined stats, the Dodgers bullpen #1 in ERA, FIP, xFIP, SIERA, WAR, WHIP, batting average against. They were #2 in K-BB%. So there is room for improvement.
Persi W
Disagree. Houston is the number one place I never want to see a top free agent go to.
Bucket Number Six
The Dodgers drink your milkshake.
case
DRINK IT RIGHT UP
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
What is Jim Crane & Dana Brown smoking down there to get a wild hair like this one up their rear all of a sudden?
radhippo
To Hell with the Asstros too!!
88 Brooklyn Dodgers
Best built organization in MLB.
Braves_saints_celts
Braves
georgebell 2
Unfortunately this is the correct answer
88 Brooklyn Dodgers
Braves are best built for the National League. Olson, Acuna, Murphy, Riley, Ozuna, etc.
JCL10
Honestly the Dodgers are better at nearly every position than the braves. Much more depth as well.
jdizzle ATL Braves
Your delusional buddy. Ill take every player on the Braves over any player on the dodgers and its not close.
Rick Pernell
Manager???
DroppedThirdStrike
Position by position it’s a dead heat.
gocincy
You’d choose all 25 Braves over every Dodger? Logically, you make no sense. You wouldn’t want Mookie Betts to be the Braves fourth outfielder? You wouldn’t want Shohei over your weakest reliever or pinch hitter? You wouldn’t want Freddie freeman as your DH? I think you chose your words poorly. Or you need to put the crack pipe down.
fox471 Dave
And that is why you will always be an also-ran, my friend. Every player on Braves over every player on Dodgers? Please!
Slow day at work
@JCL10 really?
3B, CF, RF, are clearly better for the Braves.
C, 1B, LF, RP, SP, SS, might be a push or arguably slightly better for either team.
2B, DH, are clearly better for the Dodgers
drasco036
Braves are fantastic but the Astros have been doing it longer so I will give them the nod. I am curious to see how their franchise does after they canned their PBO before last season and now Baker is retired.
myaccount2
I wonder why jdizzle ATL BRAVES would take every Braves player over every Dodgers player… Maybe someone can help me out here.
drasco036
Well, his verbiage would indicate he would take the entire Braves team over the entire Dodgers… meaning he would simply choose the Braves over Dodgers.
Had he said, “I would take any Brave over any Dodger” he would just be delusional.
Four4fore
Spot on.
ckc12537
Baker was a terrible manager in 2023. They should win 100+ in 2024 by not having Baker alone
Dumpster Divin Theo
Dusty is Crusty. Aye carumba!
Dumpster Divin Theo
Dusty aka Crusty does deserve credit for just sottomg back on his toothpick tho and rolling out his own itchy and acratchy: Altoove and Bregman, 2 most despised mugs this side of the Rio Grande
Astros_fan_in_Aus
Baker being gone is a big plus.
Braves_saints_celts
Yeah but having a 40 home run dh and Ozzie Albie’s at second is not a weakness by any stretch. The braves definitely have the edge. Here’s my little breakdown.
Braves have it at catcher. Yes the dodgers have will smith, but who’s their backup? Austin Barnes? We have Sean Murphy and Travis d’arnaud
1st base can literally be just about the most even position on the field with Olson and freeman
Second of course it’ll be the dodgers with mookie, but ozzie ain’t no slouch
Shortstop, probably both teams biggest weakness but I’ll go with the braves just cause of arcia being a first half all star and having decent success in the majors. It’s close though as lux can definitely be better, but we need to see how he does coming off that terrible injury.
3rd base is definitely the braves. Riley is one of the top 3rd basemen in the league. Muncy is good, but not on Riley’s level.
Outfield yall got left field with teoscar, but he’s still a strikeout machine. Kelenic has a lot to prove, but just as lux can be better than arcia, kelenic has a chance to be better than teoscar. Center field, although outman is a good center fielder for a lot of teams, Harris is just awesome at what he does and he gets the edge for his defense
Right field? Is that even a question? Acuna is leaps and bounds better than Hayward, Margot, or any other right fielder the dodgers plug in.
Dh? Of course that will go to the dodgers in having ohtani, but if Ozuna can produce like he did this past year, the braves are in a good spot with him as dh. Starting rotation? I’ll go braves. It’s close, but the reason I chose them is because fried if healthy will be a cy young contender. Strider? His strikeouts are amazing and if he can stop allowing so many homers, he has a chance to be a cy young winner. Charlie Morton? A model of consistency even in his old age. A great pitcher to have. Chris sale if healthy can be great and the 5th spot with elder, ajss, ynoa, anderson when back to health, but also darius vines, hursten waldrep on the verge, allan winans, etc. the depth is there and the braves rotation has a lot to be excited about. Meanwhile we can not bank on Yoshi being an ace just yet as he hasn’t pitched a single inning in the majors, glasnow hasnt pitched more than 120 in but just one of his seasons, buheler is coming back from tjs and I dont know how we will do, miller is a good young arm to have, but there is always that sophmore slump that is a possibility. Y’all have some depth but not as much as the braves, so I give the braves the edge. Bullpen is close and i wont even give either team the edge, but with the off-season additions, the braves very well might have it, but the dodgers bullpen is dang good too, utility/bench, ill give it to the dodgers because of Chris Taylor, Margot/Hayward, etc. but i do like the braves adding contact oriented hitters to our bench as a change of pace from our powerful home run hitting starters. All in all, position by position, the braves definitely have the edge. Either way the braves and dodgers are the nl’s top teams, if not the 2 top teams in all of mlb. I do have to add though the volatility of baseball and that anything can happen to bring or not bring success to teams and their players, and this list I made is solely based on “paper” rankings. When the season starts, we will look back again, position by position, and see who has the edge. Looking forward to it, and looking forward to a dodgers, braves nlcs, which might be even better than the ensuing world series. Astros are number 3 in my book lol
luclusciano
Jdizzle – “not even close” – really? You wouldn’t take Shohei or Betts in any equation?
VonPurpleHayes
JCL10, What??? Not at all. You’re severely underselling the Braves, and I dislike the Braves.
Jean Matrac
drasco036, Did you mean more successful recently? If not I disagree that the Astros have been doing it longer. Granted, the year 2000 is arbitrary, but it seems as good a starting spot as any. Since then the Braves are 2,063 – 1719. The Astros are 1,941 – 1,841.
It was as recently as 2013 that the Astros lost 100+ games. It was 111 to be exact, and that capped a 3 year run of losing 100+. They lost 90 and 92 in two other seasons. The most the Braves lost was 95, and they lost 90, or 90+ 3 other times.
The Braves have been in the PS 15 times since 2000. The Astros 11 times. Both teams are impressive, but IMO it’s the Braves that’s have been doing it longer.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Wordy
Braves_saints_celts
I can add more if you’d like.
Beff Jagwell
Absolutely agree, and I’m a diehard Astros fan. Astros stretch of awful seasons was the end of the previous, terrible owner. New owner has commitment to winning so hopefully they can sustain it. Similar to how the Braves are ran.
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
Wow, I’m die hard braves fan too but the homerism is real lol. There is some players on the braves I prefer but their is definitely a ton of dodgers id prefer as well. Can we stop claiming to be the best run organization and have some humility? Yes, the braves are run well but claiming they are the best run team is incredibly cocky in my opinion.
ckc12537
I think the teams are close to being even, though off the top of my head I’d say Braves have better pitching. We’ll see how YY does here.
I.M. Insane
Best “built”, not best “bought”, JCL10.
Murphy NFLD
Yea braves or tampa
Truthteller#1
Took a looooong time for Houston to get there, and to be honest, it hasn’t even been a decade of excellence. And the cheating…And the aging superstars…Your teams light is dimming
88 Brooklyn Dodgers
Most honest team in MLB because they admitted to (low level) “cheating” and immediately stopped and made up for it. Meanwhile, basically every other MLB team is doing much higher level cheating all the way to the present day. Next comment that refers to “Trashtros”, cheating, etc in any way, there’s going to be a problem.
politicsNbaseball
pretty sure I can still hear them banging on the trash cans
Slow day at work
Low level? immediately stopped? made up for it? None of that is true. They admitted it only because they had immunity from consequences. How about you show some proof on how “basically every other MLB team is doing much higher level cheating all the way to the present day” before demanding the rightfully earned Trashtros label to be taken off.
Hego Damask
Low level cheating lol. Anyone else hear the trashtros banging away!!!!
Wire to wire 2024
What problem lol
JCL10
What in the world did they do to make up for it? Just lip service apologies and a couple draft picks. Manfred went way too easy on them.
DroppedThirdStrike
Clown
fox471 Dave
They admitted pretty much nothing.
pbjbit
Trastros
myaccount2
@ckc- No need for a Venn diagram when people who hate the Astros consists of people who love Trump, people who hate Trump, people with no political affiliation or interest, people who don’t even know who the current president is, people who don’t even watch baseball, and much more. They’re hated, and for a good reason.
ckc12537
My point is that people forgive Trump for all of his mistakes and some hate the Astros. That’s weird to intellectuals but I digress.
CardsFan57
@ckc12537 You might first take notice that most of the Astros hate comes from two deep blue states.
ckc12537
Solid cherry picking. Did you know that a Cardinals employee hacked the Astros system?
Dumpster Divin Theo
More cowbell, er trashcan!
Dumpster Divin Theo
I don’t wanna work, I wanna bang on the can all day!
Dumpster Divin Theo
Does referrring to “Trashstro?”, singular, count? Trying to avoid a problem since we’re talking Houston.
CardsFan57
No cherry picking. The attempted subject change has nothing to do with the subject at hand.
AirY0rdan
FInally someone normal, its honestly wild sad yankees fans cant get over the fact they cant win so they blame it on a incident 7 yrs ago which other teams did to them in their division lol
AirY0rdan
Lucas Giolito has come out saying that the Astros were not the only team using a sign stealing system, and the Red Sox were caught cheating in 2018 so yeahhhhh other teams cheated to buddy
AirY0rdan
hhahahah ur hillarious these stupid jokes dont stop. i dont get how its funny….
AirY0rdan
stupid idiot
Dumpster Divin Theo
I see what you did there, how to avoid a problem: can also use Trashstrs, Rashstros, Trahstros, Garbage Can kids, Trash can sinatros, Recycling space men, Dumpster explorers, Kyle Rens, Litter Box space cadets, just not….
Dumpster Divin Theo
Don’t make him mad. Wouldn’t want to see him mad.
AirY0rdan
…
myaccount2
@CardsFan57- These deep blue states you mention are home to teams who are division rivals and teams who were screwed by the sign stealing (Angels/Athletics/Dodgers, Mariners, and the Yankees). I’m not sure which of the 2 states you were referring to, but that’s 3 blue states who all have good reasons for hating the Astros. But wait… Rangers fans might hate the Astros the most, given their in-state rivalry–I wouldn’t exactly call DFW a blue area.
Btw– just adding to the discourse; I’m not taking sides or trying to start political arguments.
AirY0rdan
o and chris bassit to
astros_fan_84
Living rent free in your head
CardsFan57
No worries. The real problem was the lame attempt to bring politics into the baseball discussion.
AirY0rdan
yeah i didnt get what that was about, bringing trump into baseball
Slow day at work
@ckc12537 a Venn diagram of Trashtros apologists and Trump lovers would be just an overlapping circle
Beff Jagwell
That’s because they love rent free in your tiny brain.
Beff Jagwell
Yankees were cheating too. They sued MLB to keep information private, and when released, it was edited and had redacted information.
Beff Jagwell
I can’t stand politics being brought into any baseball conversation. I tune out any argument at that point.
ckc12537
it wasn’t to bring politics into baseball, it was to illustrate a point. i guess i had more faith in people to use their intelligence but i was wrong
ckc12537
It wasn’t about changing the subject – you can’t seriously think that just because the two biggest fan bases are LAA/NYY that most Astros haters are liberal. If you had half a brain, you’d understand the validity of questioning the logic of Trump support for a 2nd presidency while most people can’t move on from the Astros cheating efforts, especially when those efforts weren’t proven to be that meaningful relative to other teams anyway. I’m sorry you lack intelligence.
CardsFan57
ckc12537 People with half a brain go to political pages to make irrational snarky political comments.
AirY0rdan
I wasn’t saying you shouldnt have done it i couldnt care less, i was just saying i didnt understand
Slow day at work
@ckc12537 There is a clearer link between Trump apologists and Trashtros apologists.
CardsFan57
How have you identified this imaginary link? The are news sites with political articles that still allow comments. You two should use them.
myaccount2
I agree. I don’t see there being any correlation there.
drasco036
Every team cheats. People jump all over the Astros but are choosing to ignore the Braves cheated as well, illegally giving out bonuses and promises… anyone remember that one?
Eatdust666
Of course I remember that one, there’s not too many thing that I don’t remember, even though there are some things that I don’t remember that I really should.
Astros_fan_in_Aus
But if you don’t remember them, how do you know that you don’t remember them ?……lol
AirY0rdan
huh
Eatdust666
I meant what I said, dipwad
Dumpster Divin Theo
Must wear on the fellas to be the most hated guys in sporte, well next to Michigan football. Maybe it’s time we all give them a pass. So they made one mistake. Who among us hasnt made a mistake? Cheated at monopoly? Called in sick like Ferris to spend a day out? Banges on a traahcan. Its like that Capitsl One ad with the Grinch: “you steal the presents one time”. At least they’re not perpetual aholes like say Josh Donaldson
AirY0rdan
Agreed, and even more then that for Altuve to be the most hated guy in sports is so sad. He literally is the kindest guy and didnt use the trash cans.
AirY0rdan
Also funny to see fans who know nothing boo and harrass players like Yordan and Kyle Tucker who joined the team after the scandal
Slow day at work
“Altuve… didnt use the trash cans” but he knew of them and didn’t say anything. So much for a clubhouse and team leader. Sleep with dogs, wake up with fleas
AirY0rdan
But why is someone like Altuve who apolgoized on behalf of the team, stared at the dugout when they banged for him that one time because he hated when they did it, and gave a good apolgy considering he didnt use it, more hated then a player like Reddick who used it a ton and had a poor apology??
Beff Jagwell
Are you just drunk typing today?
ckc12537
who is this directed to?
myaccount2
@AirY0rdan- I’ve never understood this either and this coming from a Mariners’ fan. Altuve gets the brunt of the hate but did absolutely nothing shady, according to all his teammates/ex-teammates. I’ve always thought booing can be a sign of respect (Altuve, Ohtani, Trout, C. Seager, etc.), but you hear certain heckling for Altuve that you don’t hear for Bregman, Springer, and so on, and it’s odd to me.
AirY0rdan
They definetly get booed but you are correct about that. It comes from a lack of knowledge from fans that are booing who don;t know the facts (that altuve didnt use the system) and just them picking on him bc hes short. So sad to see. On the same topic, by the All Star Game in seatlle, fans booed Yordan and Tucker when they came out even though Alvarez wasn’t on the team when it happened (I actually believe he was in the dodgers minor leagues at the time) and same with tucker.
myaccount2
They all get booed, certainly. But you hear a certain level of animosity toward Altuve (at least in Seattle) and I think it’s just because he’s the face of the franchise. Springer and Correa receive loud boos to this day, even though they’ve switched jerseys, but I’ve never heard the same volume level of boos for any of them, Bregman, Gurriel, etc., or the same level of heckling.
As for Tucker and Alvarez, it’s a misconception that they were booed because people thought they were involved in the sign stealing scandal (although I’m sure some ignorantly believed they were); they were booed simply because they play for a very successful divisional opponent and because many fans currently despise the franchise. The first reason should be seen as a sign of respect (you don’t get showered with boos in such a way if you aren’t a winner) and the second is just the way it will be for some time until people forget about it or the Astros fall off.
Even on draft day, the Astros first round pick was booed, but it wasn’t personal–fans just don’t like the Astros, and a lot of it has to do with achievements.
AirY0rdan
true, hey i appreciate that gave me a new perspective on everything
good vibes only
False. Top 10 org, maybe.
Brock Louis
Built with trash cans
rocky7
Trash cans, buzzers….they sure are!
AirY0rdan
they never used the buzzers and there is solid proof for that while the only proof there is for the conspircay theorists is that altubve said dont rip off my jersey which there is a reason for with proof behind it
Dumpster Divin Theo
Altuve no buzzer. He just shy
AirY0rdan
That is not the reason with proof but it can be if you want…. Better then believing a conspiracy theory most likely made by a Yankees fan who was man they lost and was looking for social media clout.
padrepapi
Definitely impressive being able to let key pieces in George Springer and Carlos Correa walk in consecutive years to then win 106 games and the WS.
Dodgers
Astros
Braves
Have to be top 3 today. The Dodgers can win a 100 games in a down year and constantly have a stacked farm where they can let stars like Seager and Turner walk and not miss a beat. Prior to Ohtani they hadn’t spent a 150m on a free agent.
IMO, you could make a case for any of those organizations being the best run in baseball. I think the Dodgers are the best of the bunch with other two neck and neck.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
Astros are not one of the most well run franchises when you sign guys like Rafael Montero for 3 years and 36mill and especially if they sign Hader to a long term deal. Seems like a bizarre reach for them.
slidepiece
Definitely ignorant and a blowhard
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
Astros have a dead last place #30 farm system good luck with that going forward. (With Mariners at #9 and Rangers at #5).
Astros_fan_in_Aus
Astros farm system has been rated poorly for a few years but it doesn’t stop them from producing good players from the minors (Pena, Diaz, Brown)
Beff Jagwell
Farm systems mean nothing until prospects pan out. Not a good argument as it’s entirely hypothetical.
Yanks2
They’d instantly be WS contenders honestly
RunDMC
They’ve been to the WS in 4 of the last 7 years (winning twice) — they’re already contenders with Pressly/Abreu.
padrepapi
Yeah, understatement of the year considering they have atleast made the ALCS in 7 consecutive years… an amazing streak!
Simm
Thought they didn’t have much money to spend this year.
Tacoshells
Whoa !
Super2
Seems very out of character but hell yeah
AM21
Albatross
DarkSide830
Do they reside in Houston?
178iq
The Yankees need this guy if for no other reason- but to keep him off the roster of teams they struggle against and teams that kick the yankees” a$$..
Seamaholic
He’d cost them $50m a year due to lux taxes.
Astros_fan_in_Aus
If he was to be paid, say 6/$110 that would be 18.3M AAV. The tax is 20% for the first bracket, which is where Astros numbers would fall., which amounts to $3.7M. Hardly a big deal
This one belongs to the Reds
So are they pushing Boros off a roof?
acoss13
There’d be a line of baseball executives trying to knock Boras off a roof lol
Get Off My Mound
So much for the Graveman injury not intensifying their bullpen search.
just_thinkin
Haha for real. GM speak at its finest.
Slow day at work
They are making a push with the same intensity as before the injury
Canuckleball
In fairness, if the loss did concern them, would you expect a management group to come out and say we’re desperate for relief pitching now. That wouldn’t have been very wise on their part.
D-Nice
Unless that “push” is 110 mil, we’ll see I guess. They act like he was hell bent on beating Diaz’s deal though
acoss13
Hmmm, kind of wanted the Cubs to get Hader, but Hoyer considers bullpen arms volatile, so I should have lowered my expectations…
cwsOverhaul
Their stance on paying closers big bucks long-term is spot on. Paying some core everyday players and TOR arms is better allocation of funds to set yourself up for a nice run of getting to postseason first.
northsidecrossrifles
I think a lot of teams would like Hader. However, seeing as he’s seeking 100 plus million, I only see several teams willing to pony up that amount of cash for a reliever. I don’t see the cubs as one of them. Also, Hoyer is correct in that analysis. Pitching is volatile, and bullpen arms are on average more volatile than starters. The elite guys like Hader tend to have less volatility. However, look at Hader’s 2022 vs 2023, and you’ll see the volatility.
ASapsFables
Straight from the horses mouth: “The elite, elite closer, the leverage they pitch in can make a difference,” Hoyer said. “But the bullpen performances are the most volatile on the baseball field. We traded for (Aroldis) Chapman (in 2016) because we had inventory to do so and knew in the short-term he could make a difference. Same thing with Wade Davis and moving (Jorge Soler), whom we did not have a place for. The pen is a higher volatility and aggression area. So you want to put your dollars to use in the areas you are most certain about.”
It’s true that the Cubs don’t have a track record of signing relievers to long term contracts including closers under Theo Epstein and now Hoyer. You can say the same for most MLB front offices. That said, the Cubs are not averse to signing and paying them short term (Craig Kimbrel) or trading significant assets for them (Aroldis Chapman, Wade Davis).
I believe the Cubs are lurking with Josh Hader, just as they have been with Cody Bellinger and were with recently signed SP Shota Imanaga. They will pounce if and when their demands for a long term contract ease.
I don’t see ownership or Hoyer balking at paying the highest AAV for Hader or Bellinger, just not over the years they are currently seeking. I can also envision the Cubs offering multiple opt-outs to each in lieu of guaranteed length. If some other team wants to sign either to their desired contracts the Cubs will pivot elsewhere, likely another free agent in the case of Bellinger (Rhys Hopkins?) or attempt to trade for Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. I also believe the Cubs are “lurking” with free agent 3B Matt Chapman.
Many pundits and some MLB executives are expecting the Cubs to be the most active team heading into spring training. What’s less certain is exactly which impact players they add and whether they do it via free agency or trading.
Citizen1
I could see the cubs giving a two year flyer of rys Hopkins, but hoyer probably wouldn’t claim
Ohtani off waivers, give any chance.
Mike 97
IDK how much is in Houston’s bank, but they’re about to lose a lot of players to FA in the next two years including 3/5 of their rotation after 2025. They also have no farm to use for any trades.
Clofreesz
Oh God. SOS Right now.
HELP!
(SOS stands for Shohei Ohtani Syndrome)
QUICK CHECK HIS FLIGHTS! (I’m a Rangers fan :[)
Halo11Fan
Why are the Astros interested in him and not the Angels…. It’s because the Astros are smart.
acoss13
Arte doesn’t like paying for premium pitching? Just saying since they had the chance to sign Rendon or Gerrit Cole.
Montgomery and Snell are still available but not sure if Perry will sign either of them.
Old York
Smells of desperation.
Halo11Fan
The Astros have Presley and Abreu. . The only thing desperate was your post trying to make a point.
Old York
Presley: He’s been pretty garbage since 2020. He’s been pitching above his ERA, meaning he’s been getting lucky.
ERA:
2020: 3.43
2021: 2.25
2022: 2.98
2023: 3.58
FRA:
2020: 3.86
2021: 3.72
2022: 3.30
2023: 4.17
I expect some more regression in 2024, possibly hitting the 4+ ERA.
Bryan Abreu has seen some improvements from his earlier years but there will be some regression coming in 2024. His defense actually saved him a run during his pitching, raising his ERA to 1.88. He’s more of the wild card and I wouldn’t expect less than a 3.50 ERA next season.
ERA:
2019: 1.04
2020: 2.7
2021: 5.75
2022: 1.94
2023: 1.75
FRA:
2019: 3.10
2020: 6.58
2021: 4.63
2022: 3.23
2023: 3.63
The Astros know all of this already. They don’t need me to tell them this. This would be a desperate move if true, because they know their bullpen will be shaky in 2024.
That’s the difference between facts and feelings.
Halo11Fan
Abreu is better than Presley and Presley has been good, I don’t really care about ERA.
There are five things an RP has to do well. Pressly is very good to great at four of them.
Throwing strikes, keeping the ball on the ground. Swinging strike %. CSW%. He allows hard contact, but that’s ok if you do the other things well.
Old York
I don’t care about ERA, which is why I pointed out how useless a stat is and showed you how they actually pitched.
His career GB% is 48%, which doesn’t mean he keeps the ball on the ground.
Agree on the Swtr% and throws strikes.
CSW% is 2% points ahead of the general league, so I get it but not something amazing that suggests he’s that dominant.
So, 3 out of 5 is a decent RP but not high end and reliable and as I point out, expect negative regression in 2024.
Halo11Fan
Presslys GB% was 58 percent last year.
That 3% is huge. It was 47th. That’s solid red. His hard contact rate is 3 percent below average and that’s huge.
This one belongs to the Reds
For relievers, it’s mainly what happens with inherited runners and avoiding walks and further damage. ERA is pretty useless with relievers, they usually add to another guy’s ERA if they fail.
Beff Jagwell
@old York a 48% GB rate is quite good. It doesn’t mean that the pitcher has a 52% FB. There is also K %. A pitcher who has a GB rate at or close to 50% is quite good.
Halo11Fan
According to Pitcher List, It was 58 percent last year. I wish the Angels had someone with his skills.
Old York
@Halo11Fan
Looking at one year data isn’t good for making conclusions. It is best to look at career data as that is the average that the most likely pitch to.
Old York
@This one belongs to the Reds
I never made a claim that ERA is the Stat to look at. I pointed out that he pitched worse than his actual ERA the past 4 years, with regression in all years.
Old York
@Beff Jagwell
For a SP that’s decent but not RP that sees fewer batters. 48% GB and 20% LD and 31% FB. The original claim from Halo11Fan was that he keeps the ball on the ground which isn’t true.
filihok
OY
“For a SP that’s decent but not RP that sees fewer batters. 48% GB and 20% LD and 31% FB. The original claim from Halo11Fan was that he keeps the ball on the ground which isn’t true.”
The problem is that “keeps the ball on the ground” is a meaningless subjective statement and not anything that can be objectively agreed upon
So, arguing about it is meaningless. Which is why idiots will go round and round about it.
Try a statement more like “has a higher than average GB%”
This is an objective statement that can be shown to be true or false.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
Nooooo!
Whyme
So the Yankees are signing him lol
❤️ MuteButton
The Astros will not be signing Josh Hader. It’s probably just his agent spreading rumors to drive his price up.
AirY0rdan
WHAT DID YOU SAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
❤️ MuteButton
Lol! You got me! I haven’t been this shocked since they traded for Justin Verlander… the first time. As much as I want our Astros to win I also want a healthy franchise that can stand the test of time. Let’s hope it works out, go Astros!
AirY0rdan
yessir im so surprised to omg lets go strooooos
SODOMOJO
THATLL DO, PIGS
TrumboRedux
LOL
Salzilla
That’s a quick turnaround there…
See this is the type of move that the Yankees need to block. Go old school, put on the big boy George pants on and don’t let the best closer in baseball go to your biggest playoff nemesis.
texgal01
I will believe it when it says ASTROS have a deal. But he will go Yankees. They want bullpen now.
AirY0rdan
believe it yet?
texasbug
Josh Hader was traded to the Houston Astros with OF L.J. Hoes but he never played with the Astros. 7/31/2013. Then traded by the Houston Astros 7/30/2015 to the Milwaukee Brewers..so I am hoping the Astros will get him.
Greenmachinelickitclean
There will be much crying if this happens
Eatdust666
Yes, but not as much as there was for the Dodgers getting Ohtani AND Yamamoto.
Greenmachinelickitclean
Meh what has Yamamoto really accomplished
Eatdust666
It’s just that I saw a lot of people complaining about that on here as well, but yeah he hasn’t accomplished anything at the major league level yet
Echopark
I’d be shocked if the Astros outbid for Hader. Seems so uncharacteristic. That’s not to say that if things are roughly equal, and if Hader’s market does not materialize, Hader won’t go there but at that point, I’d bet Yankees, Phils, and maybe the Dodgers, Cubs and Giants would also be in.
Echopark
To beat Diaz’s AAV, Hader will probably have to go shorter term and lower overall dollar figure. I imagine it will be harder for teams to spread out the dollars for a longer contract for a reliever to beat the overall dollars Diaz got. And the value of closers in general is dropping.
slidepiece
Defer, much like the best run team on the west coast
Beff Jagwell
@slidepiece the Dodgers terribly ran and all of those contracts will cause them to have yet another bankruptcy in 10 years.
AirY0rdan
That’s what everyone is saying, time will tell at this point although everyone is right abt this.
ckc12537
I do not believe that this will happen. Seems like Hader’s agents are using this as a ploy to drive the price up so another team will overpay.
THEY LIVE!!!
How about the Cardinals???
tbone0816
I was hoping the Cardinals would sign him!!
Smelly_Cobb
Just not the stinkin’ doyers plz.
Reynaldo
And then Pressly will have his ego injured like Will Smith did and throw a fit and demand to be traded.
AirY0rdan
i doubt it
jhomeslice
I’ll believe it when I see it. Astros outbidding all teams rumored to be interested in Hader? Anything is possible, but not likely. Dodgers, Rangers are two teams among others that seem way more likely.
AirY0rdan
I agree, kinda shocked when I saw this, time to slow down and see if this actually happens which if it did would be so wierd and unlike jim crane
AirY0rdan
hope u belive it cuz its reality
barrelup
I’d like to think that the Mariners signing two dozen marginal relievers has limited the market for the Astros forcing them to go after Hader. Well played Mariners, well played.
Americanentropy
Astros have a multiple key free agents coming soon. The Astros don’t operate like the Dodgers or Yankees. Maybe pursue an effective less expensive option”?
ClevelandSteelEngines
Pressly who?
Garywally57
At least the Astros ownership wants to win and isn’t afraid to spend money. Cardinals owner, Billionaire Bill Dewallet puts profits before fans.
tbone0816
I was hoping the Cardinals would sign him
slider32
Nobody picked the Rangers and the D-Backs to be in the world series last year. When will we realize that a lot of what happens is random. We want to control it, but nobody can. This gives everyone a chance. The playoffs are outlier. Teams that win ‘ off season like the Mets and Padres don’t make the playoffs.
maxmilna
Making a push?? Haha! If he has the choice between the Astriks or the Dodgers……
AirY0rdan
that joke is so old its funny people still call them the astriks
Eatdust666
Yes, it is very old indeed and it’s actually possible to know this to be true even if you are a fan of one of the other 29 teams, but some will just simply never stop using it.
AirY0rdan
i dont understand when will people get over it lol stop crying. most people that use this term are jealous their teams cant win so they blame the astros even though they won fairly in 2022
Eatdust666
They will never get over it, just like many will not do so over some things that are even less recent smh
stymeedone
When they give back the trophy and acknowledge they shouldn’t have the previous title because they cheated as a team, then and only then, will people get over it.
AirY0rdan
what about the red sox who cheated in 2018 and won the world series. and there can be soooo much other teams who did sign stealing scandals and won the ws that we dont know about, lucas giolito came out and said himself he “all teams” cheated in 2017 which shows it could have happened in year prior as well
AirY0rdan
guess what, he chose the “asteriks” lolll cry about it u hahahahahahaha whos laughing now about who he chose
TrumboRedux
Dodgers need a long-reliever, not this guy.
Americanentropy
They need a quality guy in the pen… revisit Jansen or perhaps sign Stevenson. They don’t need Hader. For all the Dodger haters they seem to have a talent for finding or making quality arms.
TrumboRedux
I can’t sit through Jansen’s wind-up anymore. Not him please. He isn’t as bad as Clevinger but it’s still bad.
AirY0rdan
BAHAHAHAH, him and clevinger are the reason people think baseball is boring
mlbdodgerfan2015
Dodgers need a dependable lefty out of the pen to hopefully upgrade Vesia who had a bad 2023 and a bad 2022 postseason. It doesn’t need to be Hader though, as he would be too expensive.
Plenty of good options from right side including Graterol, Phillips, Treinen, Hudson, and even Joe Kelly. I think ship has sailed with Jansen. There are already better options internally than Jansen.
Whiskey and leather balls
Riiiiiiiiiiight and theres ocean front property in Arizona. Without heavy deferrals this is not happening
Dumpster Divin Theo
There is? Where?
Go Go Power Rangers
From the front porch you can see the sea
Dumpster Divin Theo
Sarah Palin can see Russia fron her parlor
JoeBrady
My guess is that pushes the Astros to an uncomfortably high payroll, and that this is a misdirection by Hader’s agent so that Cashman and DD can ask their bosses for a higher allowance.
James Midway
Surprised the Astros would spend this big on a closer.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Makes one think of that 90s power ballad “closing time”
AirY0rdan
same, we”ll see if they actually it
lsujedi
I don’t care if it’s prime Gagne or Rivera, 20+ mil/yr for a closer is too much. Paying the tax on basically the whole thing takes it from bad to moronic.
clubberlang
I don’t believe this smoke screen. This is an agent trying to get the Rangers to pony up more money by leaking the Astros interest.
dano62
Astros just trying to up Rangers cost of getting Hader
AirY0rdan
lol
Dumpster Divin Theo
So the Astros are adding an “r” to their efforts. Try *harder” get *Hader”
CrikesAlready
Don’t ask for a 4th out, Houston.
Celticfan
Wake up RedSox. You should sign Hader and trade Jansen. What are you doing????????
AirY0rdan
as an astros fan im kinda reluctant about this, we already have pressly and lucrative deals for relievers are always a bit tricky….
stymeedone
Just add Stephenson and Moore for less than Hader.
nailz#4life
like the red sox owning Mo, F Freeman owns Hader !
VonPurpleHayes
Hader’s market seems surprisingly small considering his talent.
Jean Matrac
VonPurple, It’s not his talent, it’s how many teams that can afford him that actually need a closer.
VonPurpleHayes
True. And even amongst those teams, many are not willing to pay premium for a closer. That’s rarely worked out.
Astrosfn1979
The Astros have 2 all-star level guys, 1 overpaid inconsistent guy they can’t count on, and about 20 unproven guys competing for 7 bullpen spots.
Considering they have all 9 position starters and 5-6 rotation spots locked up, the best way to improve the team is to get an impact arm for the bullpen.
LFGMets (Metsin7) #ConsistentlyBannedBaseballExpert
God I’ve always wanted Hader. Hes been the best reliever in the MLB for the past 6 years. Perhaps if his name was Josh Honduras then maybe Dollar Tree David, Alex GARCÍA Cohen, and Estebõn Cohen would sign him
Melchez17
Mccullers and Graveman get traded for a reliever and starter… Say Olson and Foley of the Tigers. Astros have to include a couple prospects at least and a couple players to be named later… Tigers give them 2 players to be named later.
In September, the Tigers send back mccullers and Graveman for the Astros playoff run. Astros send back Olson and Foley. Tigers helped Astros stay under the cap and Tigers gain a couple prospects.
jixter33
Imagine being able to command 5/100 as a reliever and get it all day long?
unpaidobserver
Making a push=lowballing and hoping his market has cratered.
Al Hirschen
If he Signs with the Yankees he could do the Brian Danielson hair and still keep it long
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
Did they seriously just delete the Neris seeking a 2 year deal article?
GarryHarris
As falsly leaked by the Scott Boras Agency…