February 14: Josh Hader, who was just acquired by the Houston Astros, will be the team’s closer this season, demoting Ryan Pressly to a setup position, according to manager Joe Espada.
On the first day of Houston’s spring training exercises, Espada made the statement.
Hader, a closer for the Astros, inked a five-year, $95 million contract last month, the second-highest in MLB history. Following the 2022 season, Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets signed a five-year, $102 million contract.
Two-time All-Star Pressly is one of just six relievers to accumulate at least 100 saves since 2020. He has recorded 102 saves for the Astros over the last four seasons.
Espada claimed to have discussed his choice with both players over a meal.
Both of them have achieved success. Given that Hader has demonstrated his capabilities, I feel more at ease offering him that chance,” Espada said to the media. “Identical to Pressly. Pressly simply refuses to pitch in the ninth inning. Pressly told me that he was on board, but I don’t want to put words in his mouth.”
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