Josh Hader was a free agent for the first time in his career this offseason. As the best closer in baseball, he could have gone almost anywhere he wanted.
Hader picked the Houston Astros, signing a five-year, $95 million contract to join the reigning AL West champions.
After seven seasons in the National League with the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, Hader is going to the American League for the first time.
On Monday, he joined MLB Tonight to explain his decision and why he ultimately settled on the Astros.
"The biggest thing for us was winning a World Series," Hader said. "The Houston Astros have done that. When you're looking from the outside in, looking at these guys and the way they go about their business, the way they play the game and the camaraderie in between."
Hader added that Houston's chemistry is obvious to opposing players and was something he wanted to be a part of.
The five-time All-Star also expressed a strong desire to win a World Series, which is something he's never done before.
Hader has gotten a taste of the postseason several times and made it as far as Game 7 of the NLCS, but he's yet to appear in the Fall Classic.
Based on their recent success, the Astros could give Hader the championship opportunity he's looking for. Houston has made seven straight ALCS appearances, winning four pennants and two titles during that time.
They are expected to be competing for another one in 2024 as they have the majority of their star players returning and have young players ready to contribute on a regular basis.
Adding the best closer in baseball increased their chances.
With Hader joining an already-loaded bullpen, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Astros win another World Series trophy during his tenure.
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