Astros' criticized Josh Hader decision looks genius after Dodgers' Edwin Diaz disaster

No matter how one frames the conversation, it's hard to find a scenario where the Houston Astros find value in their five-year contract with Josh Hader. The Astros not only jumped to the top of the market for Hader, they went to a length that was unheard of, handing him nearly $100 million.

From that perspective, the only other closer in the same conversation has been Edwin Díaz inked five-year deal with the New York Mets one year before Hader's pact with the Astros. A deal that paid Díaz $102 million.

Díaz opted out of that contract with the Mets last offseason, and landed with the Dodgers on a three-year deal worth $69 million. Outside of the Mets, there wasn't a team willing to go to that level to land the All-Star closer.

Josh Hader, Edwin Díaz are tale of two stories for the Astros and Dodgers

Here's the thing about relief pitchers, projecting their careers can be fickle. There is an extreme amount of volatility year over year for relievers, and the Astros certainly have found that out with Hader. Hader has a rough first season in Houston, posting a 3.80 ERA across 71 appearances in 2024, and the end of his 2025 season and start of this year were both marred by a shoulder injury.

Hader's contract still is a burden, but the silver lining is that he's once again healthy and serving as the anchor for the pitching staff. Upon his return this season, he's posted a 0.90 ERA through 31 appearances.

The process that pointed the Astros in the direction of Hader was certainly flawed, but it's hard to argue with the results. For that specific reason, the Astros likely are glad they aren't in the position of the Dodgers right now.

Díaz's first season in LA has been a disaster. Loose bodies in his elbow required surgery, forcing him to miss over three months of the season. When Diaz has been healthy, he hasn't been getting results. Through 16 outings this season, he's carrying an ERA of 11.85. His strikeout rate has also dropped nearly 14% from last season, and he's lost velocity on his fastball.

Honestly, the Astros should be thanking their lucky stars. Hader's contract is an eyesore, but the other side of the coin is that he's been pitching like the best closer in the American League this year. For better or worse, that's a trade-off the Astros are probably comfortable. Regardless, it's certainly better than what the Dodgers are facing with Díaz.

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