Josh Hader, the five-time All-Star and three-time National League Reliever of the Year, has inked a landmark $95 million deal with the Houston Astros, making him the highest-paid MLB relief pitcher for the 2025 season in present-day value. While Hader's contract narrowly missed surpassing Edwin Díaz's record-breaking $102 million Mets deal (still the largest total sum for a reliever), the Astros' star will earn $19 million this year—topping Díaz's adjusted $18.3 million valuation due to deferred payments in the Mets closer's contract.
Hader's agreement with Houston includes a full no-trade clause, no deferred money, and a $1 million bonus if he clinches the Mariano Rivera Award as the American League's top reliever. The deal underscores the rising market for elite bullpen arms, even as teams carefully assess contract structures and cash obligations.
2025's Highest-Paid MLB Relief Pitchers (Present-Day Value)
Calculated by MLB's Labor Relations Department to reflect annual cash obligations, here are the top-earning relievers for 2025:
- Josh Hader, Astros: $19,000,000
- Edwin Díaz, Mets: $18,331,014
- Raisel Iglesias, Braves: $16,000,000
- Ryan Pressly, Cubs: $14,100,000
- Kirby Yates, Dodgers: $13,000,000
- Tanner Scott, Dodgers: $12,141,009
- Taylor Rogers, Reds: $12,000,000
- Rafael Montero, Astros: $11,500,000
- A.J. Minter, Mets: $11,000,000
- Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox: $10,750,000
The figures, compiled by USA TODAY, factor in deferrals and signing bonuses to determine present-day value. MLB distributes these valuations to all 30 clubs to clarify year-to-year payroll commitments, providing teams with a standardized metric to gauge financial flexibility.
Hader's contract highlights the premium placed on dominant late-inning arms, even as Díaz's landmark $102 million pact remains untouched in total value. With deferrals reshaping actual payout timelines, Houston's upfront investment in Hader—coupled with his no-trade protection—solidifies his place atop MLB's relief pitcher earnings hierarchy for the coming season.
As teams continue to prioritize bullpen stability, these record-setting contracts signal a trend toward rewarding proven closers with both financial security and competitive incentives. For now, Hader's deal stands as a testament to his elite status—and the Astros' commitment to retaining game-changing talent.