Astros' Updated Bullpen, Payroll After Josh Hader's Record-Setting $95M Contract

The Houston Astros received a major boost to their bullpen on Friday ahead of the 2024 season.

Star closer Josh Hader agreed to a record-setting five-year, $95 million contract with the Astros in free agency following a stint with the San Diego Padres, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The Athletic's Chandler Rome added that Hader's deal includes a full no-trade clause and no deferred money. He will earn $19 million annually between 2024 and 2028.

The addition of Hader gives Houston one of the best bullpens in all of Major League Baseball, though the franchise now also boasts one of the highest luxury tax payrolls in the league at $253.5 million, according to Spotrac.

That said, here's a look at the team's bullpen entering 2024, via the team website, and how Hader will impact how new manager Joe Espada deploys his relievers.

Houston Astros' Bullpen 2024

• Josh Hader
• Ryan Pressly
• Rafael Montero 
• Bryan Abreu 
• Dylan Coleman
• Shawn Dubin
• Seth Martinez
• Matt Gage
• Parker Mushinski
• Bennett Sousa
• Ronel Blanco
• Forrest Whitley
• Kendall Graveman 
• Oliver Ortega 

Kendall Graveman is still listed on the depth chart, though he is likely to miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Ryan Pressly served as Houston's closer last season, and he was solid, posting 31 saves with a 3.58 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 65.1 innings. However, Hader is a better arm and will almost surely be the team's closer in 2024.

Pressly will now likely return to the setup role, which is the position he was in from 2019-2022.

Hader spent the last season and a half with the Padres after being traded to San Diego from the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2022 season. While the team struggled in 2023, Hader was a bright spot for the Friars as he went 2-3 with a 1.28 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 85 strikeouts and 33 saves in 56.1 innings across 52 games.

After being bounced from the 2023 postseason by the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship Series, the Astros are hoping the addition of Hader will help them better contend for a title in 2024.

The Rangers have some momentum after winning the World Series last season, though Houston has certainly closed the gap on Texas' grip over the AL West heading into next season.