Astros, Josh Hader agree to 5 year, $95 million contract

Haha…Major is the best.

 

Aww ****. Get your pistols ready.

 

He was brought in to be the closer.

Obviously he will need to pitch occasionally in non-save situations, but it shouldn't be regularly unless the rest of the bullpen is fatigued or in shambles, or he simply needs an inning to stay sharp.

Through 116 games:

Save situations:
26g 25ip: .529 OPS, 0.840 WHIP, 2.16 ERA

Non-save situations
26g 26.1ip: .679 OPS, 1.139 WHIP, 5.13 ERA

In what world does your $95M all-star closer pitch more in non-save situations than save situations?

 

When your team is good enough to win most games decisively, thus avoiding many save situations.

 

When deployed properly, he has been fantastic. Espada has overused him in non save situations IMO, I hope the guy doesn't burn out from overuse.

 

Espada's world.

 

That before 4/16 was rough.

 

Can't go to extras when you lose a tie game in the 9th. I doubt he's pitched much outside the 9th inning at all.

 

The Astros likely don't make the playoffs without Hader.

 

Hader has been as cool as a cucumber after his rough honeymoon with the Astros. Now that he’s settled in, he’s nailed each of his save opportunities.

 

On an unrelated note, his “Fireman” entrance is awesome.

 

Nook what are you hearing about Bregman, what type of offer they may extend to him, and what does your gut tell you? Do they resign him or is he gone? Also what do you think it would take for him to stay?

As always appreciate your insight.

 

Oh and if the Astros need to rebuild his elbow, hopefully they don't use the same material as Tucker's calf

 

I'm more worried about Pressley than Hader. I hope Pressley gets it together after this IL stint. We need the 3 headed monster in the playoffs.

 

I think Bregman is gone and as much as I love him, it may be for the best for the Astros.

There are a number of teams that have deep pockets that have expressed some degree of interest.

The Yankees called the Astros about Bregman when the Astros bottomed out this season.

The Giants want to sign Chapman long term at 3rd or go after Bregman.

The Mets have even been mentioned as a possible destination... and a lot of speculation around the Diamondbacks.

The reason I say it may work out for the Astros too is that they have a few players that may be able to play third, and it gives them more financial liquidity in the short and long term.

The only way I see Bregman staying is if Chapman drives the market down and the Astros get a 5 year deal done with him.

The Astros are going to have holes to fill at 1st, 3rd and the OF and they likely will want another veteran TOR.

 

Would really like to keep Bregman but I get it. All it takes is one team to offer him some crazy contract. If he signs with the Yankees he's dead to me

 

This makes sense, but somehow, someway the Astros need to find legitimate middle of the order hitters.

Dezenzo and Whitcomb have middle of the lineup profile, but team ( legitimately reasonable philosophy) doesnt want to put too much pressure on their bats too soon and therefore keeps them at the bottom.

Take Bregman away and next year the best case is what we are seeing now ( if Tucker is in and Alex out)

I would like to see them find a way to bring in a legitimate bat. That's why I was hoping for Vladdy, Paredes, or Robert at the deadline.

 

I'm in this camp.

I would love to trade for Vlad and would give up a lot to get him.

Look for an OF like Kerry Carpenter in a trade and run with Dezenzo and Whitcomb at 3B.