Astros Could Steal $6 Million All-Star Closer From Division Rival

The Houston Astros are very thin in the bullpen and could use some major upgrades.

Even with Josh Hader and Ryan Pressly at the back end of the bullpen, it shouldn't stop the Astros from grabbing other high-leverage relievers. One of their best options just so happens to have spent 2024 with another team in the American League West.

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 28: Kirby Yates #39 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field on April 28, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

Kirby Yates, the two-time All-Star closer, is exactly the type of reliever the Astros are looking for. While it's rare for teams to carry two dominant closers, this strategy would work out well with Yates being right handed and Hader being left handed.

Yates recorded 33 saves in 2024 with the Texas Rangers. It's one less than Hader posted with the Astros, but Yates only had 34 opportunities. Hader, on the other hand, saw 38 opportunities.

Astros fans witnessed firsthand just how inconsistent Hader was last season. He had months like May, when he had a 1.35 ERA. However, he struggled mightily in April, July and August with an ERA over five in each of those months.

Yates can seamlessly slide in to the closer role again in 2025 if Hader struggles. This happened with the Pittsburgh Pirates last year, when Aroldis Chapman took the closer job from David Bednar.

If the Astros want to make it back to the World Series (or advance past the wild card round), it's going to require multiple relievers that can pitch at a high level. When you add in Yates is projected to make just $6 million in 2025, it's the type of move that should be made without hesitation.

More MLB: Red Sox Blockbuster Trade Idea Would Land Boston New $427 Million Superstar