Ranking the 7 biggest free agent signings in Astros history

In light of the Astros landing top free agent Josh Hader, let's take a look at the biggest free agent signings in Astros history.

San Diego Padres v Milwaukee Brewers
San Diego Padres v Milwaukee Brewers | John Fisher/GettyImages
5 of 6

No. 2: Roger Clemens

Roger Clemens, like Pettitte, spent three years in Houston. He came out of retirement to sign a one-year deal in 2004 before re-upping again in 2005. He then (what?! emerged from retirement once more, this time mid-season, in 2006. And you won't believe what he did the next summer at Yankee Stadium, either.

Clemens was otherworldly in his Houston tenure, going 38-18, recording a 2.40 ERA, winning one Cy Young, and somehow finishing third in 2005 (1.87 ERA, 226 ERA+, 2.87 FIP).

He made seven playoff starts across 2004 and 2005, and while he wasn't as dominant as he was in the regular season, he remained a huge piece of the Astros' first World Series trip in franchise history.

He already had a Hall of Fame resumé before signing in Houston, and landing a player of his caliber was the biggest splash the Astros had made in decades. 25 years, to be exact. Only one signing in franchise history was bigger than The Rocket.

Schedule