Report: Astros showing serious interest in signing Hader

The Houston Astros are making a push to sign star closer Josh Hader in free agency, sources told Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

Hader is reportedly looking for a contract that would break the record for a reliever. The mark was set by Edwin Díaz when he signed a five-year, $105-million pact with the New York Mets last offseason.

Houston also attempted to make a deal for Hader at the 2023 trade deadline, according to Rosenthal and Rome.

The addition of the 29-year-old five-time All-Star could help the team’s bullpen remain elite after the departures of Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek, and Phil Maton, and the loss of Kendall Graveman, who’s likely to miss all of 2024 following shoulder surgery.

A potential trio of Hader, Ryan Pressly, and Bryan Abreu would give the Astros a devastating trifecta of late-game relief options.

Hader posted a 1.28 ERA with 13.6 K/9 and 33 saves over 61 games with the San Diego Padres last season.

The Texas Rangers have also checked in on Hader, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

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