Too Early to Worry About Astros New Closer After Latest Disaster?

The loud offseason signing that the Houston Astros made hasn't exactly worked out so far, but even though it's still early, there could be some warning signs.

Apr 2, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) reacts and Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Davis Schneider (36) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason, the Houston Astros completely bucked the trend of what they have done in the past under the ownership of Jim Crane as they handed out a massive deal to Josh Hader that pushed them over the luxury tax threshold.

It was only the second time they've gone over the luxury tax since he bought the team prior to the 2012 season.

Hader was also the most lucrative contract they've handed out to a free agent when they inked him to a five-year, $95 million deal this winter.

With the best closer in baseball now on the Astros' roster, they were projected to have the best back end bullpen with Ryan Pressly moving to the setup role and Bryan Abreu available before then.

Things haven't quite played out that way so far.

Through six games, their relief staff ranks 28th with an ERA of 7.41.

Tayler Scott and Pressly have ERAs of 7.71, Rafael Montero sits with a 5.40, and Abreu has an absurd 11.57 through his two appearances.

Perhaps the most concerning thing is that Hader hasn't exactly looked like the elite closer that he has shown to be throughout his career.

His ERA is 6.75. He has two losses after giving up the go-ahead run against the New York Yankees in the top of the ninth inning on March 31, and when he blew his first save of the year on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays following a two-run blast by Davis Schneider.

The short answer about if it's too early to worry about Hader is yes.

Through six games it certainly hasn't been pretty, but the season is long and he will find his stride with his new team in a new home ballpark.

When the left-hander was first shipped to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline in 2022, he struggled down the stretch with an ERA of 7.31 during his 19 appearances.

"I just think that [Hader] made one mistake. I think he hung that slider, but everything else looked pretty good," manager Joe Espada said after the game.

It's still early.

Hader will have plenty of time to show why Houston changed their philosophy and aggressively pursued him on the open market.