The Houston Astros, despite boasting a formidable closing duo in Josh Hader and Ryan Pressly, find themselves in dire need of bullpen reinforcements. While the back end appears solidified, the overall relief corps lacks depth and consistency, a vulnerability that could derail their postseason aspirations. Addressing this weakness should be a top priority for the Astros, and pursuing high-leverage relievers is crucial for bolstering their championship contention. A prime candidate for this role emerges from within the American League West: Kirby Yates, a two-time All-Star closer who spent the 2024 season with the Texas Rangers.
Yates presents a compelling case for the Astros. His impressive 33 saves in 2024, just one shy of Hader’s 36, demonstrate his closing prowess. Furthermore, Yates’s save conversion rate is remarkably high, having blown only one save opportunity compared to Hader’s four. This efficiency highlights Yates’s reliability in high-pressure situations, a quality the Astros desperately need. While it’s unconventional for a team to carry two dominant closers, the contrasting handedness of Yates (right-handed) and Hader (left-handed) offers strategic advantages, allowing for targeted matchups against opposing batters. This flexibility could prove invaluable in navigating crucial late-inning scenarios.
Josh Hader’s performance in 2024 showcased his volatile nature. While capable of brilliance, evidenced by his stellar 1.35 ERA in May, Hader also exhibited periods of significant struggle, posting ERAs over five in April, July, and August. This inconsistency raises concerns about his reliability as the sole closer, especially in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. Acquiring Yates would provide a safety net, a proven closer ready to seamlessly step into the role should Hader falter. This strategy mirrors the Pittsburgh Pirates’ approach in 2024, where Aroldis Chapman effectively replaced David Bednar as the closer due to performance issues.
The Astros’ path to a deep postseason run hinges on a robust and dependable bullpen. Relying solely on Hader and Pressly is a risky proposition. Adding a pitcher of Yates’s caliber would significantly strengthen the relief corps, providing a much-needed layer of security and increasing the likelihood of success in crucial late-game situations. The ability to deploy multiple high-leverage relievers provides managerial flexibility and reduces the burden on any single pitcher, minimizing the risk of burnout and maximizing the chances of securing critical outs.
The financial aspect of acquiring Yates further strengthens the argument for his pursuit. His projected salary of just $6 million for 2025 presents exceptional value for a closer of his caliber. This relatively modest cost makes him an incredibly attractive option for the Astros, allowing them to address a critical need without significantly impacting their payroll flexibility. Given the potential impact on the team’s performance and the reasonable cost, acquiring Yates represents a low-risk, high-reward move that the Astros should seriously consider.
In conclusion, the Houston Astros’ pursuit of Kirby Yates should be a priority. His proven closing abilities, coupled with his affordable contract, make him an ideal candidate to solidify the bullpen. While Hader and Pressly provide a strong foundation, Yates adds a crucial layer of depth and reliability, offering a safety net in case of Hader’s inconsistency. His presence would undoubtedly enhance the Astros’ chances of returning to the World Series and competing for a championship. The combination of talent, experience, and affordability makes Kirby Yates a compelling acquisition that could significantly impact the Astros’ future success.
