Buyer’s Remorse For Josh Hader

This past offseason, the Houston Astros signed top free agent closer Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million deal. Upon signing, Hader was now the second-richest closer in the sport trailing only Edwin Diaz. This free-agent signing bolstered what was already considered one of the best bullpens in baseball. However, Hader has been struggling badly early in the 2024 season. I believe the Astros might be having buyer’s remorse on signing Josh Hader.

Signing Josh Hader Despite Already Having A Great Bullpen

Despite already having one of the best bullpens in baseball, Houston decided to add to it by signing free agent Josh Hader. Hader signed the second richest closer contract in the history of the sport for five years and $95 million. This meant turning veteran closer Ryan Pressly into the set-up man and handing Bryan Abreu seventh-inning responsibilities. On paper, Houston’s bullpen with Josh Hader looked like it would be even more dominant in 2024. However, early this season, it hasn’t worked out that way.

Hader Is Off To An Ugly Start

So far for the Astros, the Josh Hader signing has looked like a giant mistake. Hader is currently 0-2 with an ERA of 8.31, 1.50 WHIP, and only one save. It should be noted that he’s already blown two saves this season. Hader’s struggles were recently further exasperated in the beginning of a mid-April series against the Atlanta Braves. With the Astros trailing 2-1, Josh Hader was summoned to keep it at a one-run deficit in the ninth inning. However, Hader imploded, giving up four runs and Houston would eventually lose 6-1.

Houston Really Didn’t Need Hader

The Houston Astros didn’t need to sign Josh Hader. Houston’s bullpen was already one of the best in the league with Pressly as their closer. While they lost Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek, and Phil Maton; they could’ve replaced those guys with cheaper relievers. The closer role never needed to be addressed. The money could’ve been used toward re-signing Alex Bregman this year or Kyle Tucker the following offseason.

The Astros Are Having Buyers Remorse

Free agent busts are ultimately what closes a team’s contention window. Houston already has one in Jose Abreu and the second-richest closer in baseball looks like one early on. The Astros’ bullpen was just fine and had no real need to sign Josh Hader. If Hader continues to struggle, then he’ll go down as a very expensive free-agent miss. Given how poorly Josh Hader has pitched, the Astros should be having very real buyer’s remorse.

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