Generally, I’m hesitant about teams signing relievers to substantial contracts. Still, there are cases, like the Astros’ pursuit of Josh Hader last year, where a team recognizes a specific need and chooses to overlook the financial risks to secure the best available player. To be fair, I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about Hader’s signing then, and my opinion hasn’t changed much. But I can appreciate why Houston felt it necessary last winter, especially given the injuries that had already strained their bullpen. Hader has his limitations, as his performance in 2024 illustrates, but he did enhance the team’s competitive edge for this season.
One notable takeaway from Dana Brown’s press conference after the Wild Card series was the possible need for another high-leverage reliever to ease the workload on the core trio of Hader, Ryan Pressly, and Bryan Abreu. I think this perspective is reasonable, considering how heavily the Astros relied on those three and Tayler Scott throughout the season. That usage took its toll, rendering Scott less effective in the final two months. It also pushed Hector Néris into a prominent role after he joined mid-season following his release from the Cubs. While Scott’s ineffectiveness didn’t directly cause the Astros’ Wild Card loss to the Tigers, it didn’t help.
However, the team has more pressing areas to address beyond another high-leverage reliever. Third base stands out, regardless of whether Alex Bregman returns or Brown finds another option. First base production was a consistent issue, and an offensively-oriented outfielder or two would significantly help. Adding a starter to eat up innings would also be beneficial.
With potentially limited finances and fewer top prospects compared to other teams, flexibility is scarce. Bringing in another high-leverage reliever from outside the organization seems like a low priority. As Joe Sheehan noted last offseason, “Relievers, in today’s game, are common talents. You don’t need to buy them, you just need to find them.”
For the Astros, they may already have internal candidates to fill the gap between the rotation and Hader, Pressly, and Abreu. Scott could take on a similar role in 2025, while Kaleb Ort and Bryan King have shown flashes. Forrest Whitley has looked good in relief with Sugar Land, and reuniting with Caleb Ferguson could also work. Shawn Dubin, Luis Contreras, and Penn Murfee are additional options, along with others. Although none of these pitchers have proven themselves as high-leverage relievers, investing heavily in the bullpen isn’t the wisest use of resources. I’d prefer the Astros focus on other, more pressing roster needs before turning their attention to the bullpen.
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