Josh Hader, who had been linked to the Yankees in his free agency, is heading to Houston.
The left-handed reliever is in agreement with the Astros on a five-year, $95 million contract, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. That makes Hader the highest-paid reliever in terms of present day value (Edwin Diaz’s deal with the Mets set the benchmark for the position but it includes deferred money). The deal includes a full no-trade clause and no opt outs or club options.
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The Yankees had been linked to Hader in rumors as they look to bolster their bullpen, but the 29-year-old’s talks with Houston have progressed in the past few days. Hader’s price tag was also too high for the Yankees.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was asked on Thursday if he planned to prioritize upgrading the bullpen.
“I wouldn’t want to characterize any specific aspect [as a priority],” Cashman said. “Ultimately, if we feel there’s an area for us to improve upon and the opportunity — that sweet spot of ‘this makes enough sense for us, whether it’s giving up player talent in return or if it’s a financial conversation matching with a player and his agent’ — [presents itself], then yeah. Could the ‘pen be improved, could the rotation be improved, could some aspect on the position player side be improved? Sure. And we’re going to be open-minded every step of the way between now and pencils down on July 31.”
Hader, a five-time All-Star, spent 2023 with the Padres and recorded a 1.28 ERA with 33 saves in 61 appearances.
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