IT'S OFFICIAL!

Astros spring bombshell: Manager Joe Espada reveals major news

Astros Joe Espada
Josh Hader will close games for Houston, not Ryan Pressly. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.

Newly signed Josh Hader will close for the Astros and incumbent Ryan Pressly will move into a setup role, new manager Joe Espada said as Houston started spring training workouts Wednesday.

Hader, a five-time All-Star, agreed Jan. 22 to a $95 million, five-year contract. The left-hander, who turns 30 on April 7, displaced Pressly, a 35-year-old right-hander who had 102 saves for the Astros in the last four seasons.

Espada said he met with Hader and Pressly in his office to inform them of his decision.

“It went well,’’ Espada said. “Both guys want what’s best for this team. I think the ultimate goal is to hold the trophy at the end of the year.’’

Hader returned to the Astros organization after spending two years in their minor league system from mid-2013 through mid-2015.

“They’ve both been successful. I feel more comfortable giving Hader that opportunity since he’s shown his ability to do it," Espada said. “Same as Pressly. It’s just Pressly won’t pitch the ninth inning. ... I don’t want to put words in Pressly’s mouth but everything I got from him was that he’s on board.”

Hader said he spoke with Pressly, a two-time All-Star, around the time of his agreement.

“The goal is to build that relationship and win ballgames," he said. "A lot of things can get stirred up on the outside and paint a picture that’s not it. But for him and I, we’ve had a great relationship so far and (we) continue to build off that.’’

“Ultimately, in the game of baseball, roles are very important,’’ Hader added. “We have routines. When you’re able to get in that routine and knowing what you have to accomplish, you can perform better because you know what you have to do.’’

Houston's bullpen also includes 26-year-old right-hander Bryan Abreu.

“The back three is solid,’’ Hader said. “But even the guys that fill the spots in the front part of it are just important as the back three. I think we have guys who can fill that role just fine and put us in the spot to win games and bridge the gap to the back end.’’

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CJ Stroud is not throwing yet at OTAs. Composite Getty Image.

As the Houston Texans gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on OTAs, where key storylines and position battles are already taking shape. One of the most intriguing developments is unfolding along the offensive line. Coaches are clearly keeping their options open, and the answers may not be as obvious as they seem.

Meanwhile, fans are taking notice of Cam Robinson holding down the left tackle spot, while Tytus Howard has been moved inside to right guard — a significant shift that raises questions about long-term strategy and player fit. The reshuffling up front is just one part of a larger evaluation process underway.

Further down the roster, the wide receiver room is heating up with fierce competition for the final spots. Several fringe players are turning heads, looking to carve out a role behind the established starters. These battles could stretch well into training camp.

On the other side of the ball, expectations are high for the defense entering Year 3 under head coach DeMeco Ryans. After a strong showing last season, the unit is now being challenged to take the next leap. At the heart of that effort is Will Anderson Jr., who looks poised for a breakout year. His growth could be a game-changer for the Texans' pass rush.

From offensive line shakeups to rising defensive expectations, there’s no shortage of drama or development in Houston. With the 2025 season approaching, these OTAs are offering a crucial glimpse into what this team might become.

Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank share their thoughts on the early developments at OTAs.

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