Texas Rangers Target Josh Hader Inks Five-Year Deal With Rival Houston Astros

The Texas Rangers will now be facing Josh Hader instead of welcoming him to Arlington.

Josh Hader is headed to Texas. It just won't be to the Rangers. 

The Houston Astros and the All-Star closer agreed to terms on a five-year, $95 million deal Friday afternoon. The club has not confirmed the deal as of the time of this posting. 

Hader, one of baseball's top relievers, will earn $19 million annually as the long-term answer in the pen ahead head of incumbent closer Ryan Pressly and setup man Bryan Abreu. According to The Athletic, Hader's contract contains a no-trade clause and no deferred money. It also includes no opt-outs or club options. 

The left-hander, who was part of the Astros' organization from 2013-15, has transformed into one of the league's most consistent closers. He made five All-Star appearances with the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres before hitting free agency this offseason. 

Since joining the league in 2017, Hader has bolstered a 2.60 career ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. His sinker-slider combination has made him one of the top arms in velocity and framing among those coming out of the pen. 

Hader's 437 strikeouts since 2019 are the most by a relief pitcher during that span by a significant margin. 

Last season, Hader regained his All-Star form, posting a 1.28 ERA in 61 games for while earning 33 saves in 38 chances. He averaged 13.6 strikeouts per nine, fourth among MLB relievers while holding opposing hitters to a .163 average and a .224 slugging percentage.

Fresh off their first World Series title, the Rangers were expected to be serious contenders to land Hader entering the offseason. Texas' glaring weakness last season was its bullpen, primarily its closer role. 

Earlier this month, it was reported Hader was interested in signing a contract similar to that of New York Mets star Edwin Diaz, who inked a five-year, $102 million contract last offseason. The Astros entered free agency with a projected payroll of $237 million prior to the Hader contract.

Texas remains in the hunt for bullpen help but also could turn its attention to re-signing left-handed starter Jordan Montgomery. A midseason acquisition from St. Louis, Montgomery formed a potent duo alongside right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, which paved the way to a playoff berth and eventual AL Pennant. 

Montgomery posted a 2.79 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 11 starts. In the postseason, he was 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA.

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