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The Astros’ Bullpen Needs a Plan Beyond Josh Hader and Its Free Agents
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- The Astros’ Bullpen Needs a Plan Beyond Josh Hader and Its Free Agents
(Erik Williams-Imagn Images)
Image 1:Erik Williams-Imagn Images, Image 2:Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images, Image 3: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
With contracts expiring and players entering free agency, looking ahead beyond just the 2027 season will be key for long-term success. Josh Hader is signed through 2028, and Bryan Abreu and Steven Okert are both free agents.
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Hader is definitely an arm they should want to hold on to, but another team could scoop him up after his contract expires. Hader finished the 2026 season with a 1.01 ERA and 26 saves, showing just how important he remains to Houston's bullpen.
Now, Okert actually had one of the best seasons, if not the best season, of his career. It came to an unfortunate end after he was bitten by the injury bug, but overall, it was a solid season, and he's not a bad arm to keep around either. Okert finished with a 2.13 ERA.
Abreu, on the other hand, had a rough start. With Hader sidelined, Abreu stepped into the closer role, did not hold the same level of command as Hader, and really struggled. That said, he did turn things around once Hader returned to the bullpen, but either way, Abreu proved to be much more comfortable as a reliever rather than a closer.
Abreu finished the season 6-4 with a 3.73 ERA and nine saves in 11 opportunities.
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With Abreu and Okert potentially leaving this offseason and Hader's contract expiring after 2028, Houston needs to think about who will take over those roles in the coming years.
That brings us to the younger arms.
AJ Blubaugh is one option. He led the Astros ' bullpen with 96 innings. His postseason struggles raised questions, but his regular-season performance gives Houston something to work with.
Miguel Ullola made his major league debut this season, earlier than expected due to so many injuries. Still, it allowed him to prove he can hold his own on the major league mound. The young player, once one of the Astros' top prospects, is definitely an arm to watch. He finished with a 2.16 ERA in 11 appearances.
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Both pitchers could have opportunities to take on larger roles in 2027, especially if Houston doesn't bring back Abreu or Okert.
The Astros have some decisions to make this offseason, but they also need to think beyond next season. Bringing back experienced relievers could help in the short term, while developing their younger arms could give Houston more stability in the years ahead.
