With Astros reloaded for contention, new opportunities have arisen for leadership & evolution
PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT
01 February 2024
PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT
Shortly after the Astros signed Josh Hader to a 5-year $95 million contract, Hector Neris agreed to a much smaller deal with the Chicago Cubs.
Right-handed reliever Hector Neris and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a one-year, $9 million contract that includes an option for 2025, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN.
The $9M team option converts to a player option at 60 games. Total max w incentives: $23.25M.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 27, 2024
Before the signing of Hader, Neris was rumored to be looking for a 3-year $50 million deal. Clearly that wasn't what the market was willing to pay Neris.
Which made us wonder, with the benefit of hindsight, would Jim Crane rather have signed Neris to the cheaper deal?
In our opinion, no. Part of the reason behind the Hader signing was adding more youth to the Astros bullpen. Not only for the short-term, but also as a tactic to prepare for life after Ryan Pressly, who will likely be gone after the 2025 season.
The Astros lost 4 relief pitchers this offseason
Considering how many bullpen arms won't be back for 2024, how much better is this year's 'pen after adding Hader?
Leader of the pack
Finally, with so many team leaders not returning for 2024, who will step up for the Astros and lead the team moving forward?
Be sure to watch the video above as we address all these questions and much more!
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Presented by Coors Light.
The Houston Texans came into this draft with many anticipating they would trade up to address their need on the offensive line. Instead, the Texans elected to trade back to pick No. 34 after agreeing to a deal with the Giants.
The Texans also receive pick number 99, and a 2026 third-round selection.
🚨 We’ve traded pick 25 to the Giants for pick 34, 99 and a 2026 third-rounder 🚨 pic.twitter.com/SZWhBVKHlS
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 25, 2025
When Ohio State's offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and Texas receiver Matthew Golden went off the board right in front of them, the Texans decided to go with a contingency plan, it seems.
We'll have to wait until Friday night to see what the Texans do with their picks.