Josh Hader's first season with the Houston Astros came to an unexpected end as they traded him to the Chicago Cubs after just one year. The move followed Ryan Pressly's approval, allowing him to waive his no-trade rights. While the Astros aimed to bolster their bullpen by signing Hader, the upcoming season now poses challenges as the bullpen’s depth and performance remain uncertain. Bryan Abreu is expected to step into the primary setup role alongside Hader, who had a mixed performance last year with a 3.80 ERA but still converted 34 of 38 save opportunities.

The trade leaves the Astros with questions about their roster. Only Tayler Scott appears firmly established, having recorded a 2.23 ERA last season. New faces and untested pitchers will compete for bullpen roles during spring training, including the likes of Bryan King and Kaleb Ort. The Astros previously counted on Pressly's experience, which they will now lack. With their bullpen's history of struggles, the Astros may need to explore external options to fill the gaps left by Hader and Pressly.