Ken Rosenthal: How the Hader deal impacts Astros championship window

FUTURE IMPLICATIONS?

Following the Astros signing Josh Hader to a massive $95 million contract, Ken Rosenthal examines the deals currently on the books for Houston and projects what the roster will look like over the next several years.

Ryan Pressly and Justin Verlander's future with the club will be determined by how they perform this season. Pressly has to make 50 appearances this year for his option to vest in 2025. Verlander has to reach 140 innings this season, or he will be a free agent in 2025.

Rosenthal expects the Astros to extend Jose Altuve, who is set to be a free agent in 2025. However, he's not so sure the Astros will be able to keep Alex Bregman, who is also in the last year of his current deal.

So why did owner Jim Crane step outside his comfort zone and sign Hader to a huge contract that now has the Astros over the tax threshold? Based on his experience, he believes owners sometimes fixate on a certain player and will try to acquire them when an opportunity presents itself.

In this circumstance, he thinks Crane and the Astros view the 2015 Hader trade as a mistake. The deal wasn't very good for the Astros and signing him in free agency could be viewed as correcting a mistake from years ago. He's also heard that the 'Stros tried to trade for Hader last year, but the deal never went through. Houston was reportedly calling about a starter and reliever on the Padres.

The starter they called about is believed to be Blake Snell. At the end of the day, Hader is an Astro, and Houston has arguably the best bullpen in baseball.

What can be questioned, though, is if Crane spent the money in the best way possible. Hector Neris leaving in free agency is one of the reasons Houston had to add to the bullpen. Neris was reportedly looking for a contact in the range of 3-years, $50 million. He settled for a 1-year deal for $9 million with the Cubs. The deal could convert into a 2-year contract ($18 million) if Neris makes 60 appearances this season. If he reaches all his incentives, the deal has a max value of $23.25 million.

Who knows if Crane had preferred to sign Neris with the benefit of hindsight.

Be sure to watch the video above as Ken Rosenthal shares his thoughts on the Astros championship window, the Hader signing, and much more!

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The Astros beat the Cubs, 2-0. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.

Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and Framber Valdez tossed six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday.

Altuve’s 13th home run of the season broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. It was his first extra base hit in 34 at bats and the Astros' only extra base hit of the game.

Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five hits and two walks.

Only one man reached third base against him. He exited with two on and nobody out in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu replaced him and retired Michael Busch, Vidal Bruján and Ian Happ to work out of trouble.

Abreu pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out four of the six men he faced.

Josh Hader retired the side in order in the ninth inning to convert on his franchise record 23rd straight save opportunity to start the season.

Jameson Taillon (7-6) matched zeroes with Valdez until Altuve’s home run on his 107th and final pitch of his outing. He struck out four while giving up five hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings.

The bullpen trio of Ryan Brasier, Ryan Pressly and Brad Keller held the Astros to two hits over 3 1/3 innings.

Key Moment

Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.

Key Stat

The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.

Up Next

The Cubs open a three-game series against the Guardians on Tuesday with LHP Matthew Boyd (7-3 2.65 ERA) against RHP Gavin Williams (5-3 3.68 ERA).

The Astros open a three-game series at the Rockies on Tuesday with LHP Colton Gordon (3-1 3.98 ERA) against RHP Chase Dollander (2-8 6.06 EA).

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