Career Timeline of Josh Hader: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Josh Hader, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Josh Hader is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Houston Astros. He previously played for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. A five-time All-Star, Hader is also a three-time National League Reliever of the Year Award winner, establishing himself as one of the top relief pitchers in Major League Baseball. His career is marked by his dominance and impact on the game as a closer.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles

In 2012, Hader was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles.

July 31, 2013: Traded to the Houston Astros

On July 31, 2013, Hader was traded by the Orioles, along with L. J. Hoes, to the Houston Astros in exchange for Bud Norris. He finished the 2013 season with the Quad Cities River Bandits.

2013: Assignment to Delmarva Shorebirds

In 2013, Hader was assigned to the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Single-A South Atlantic League (SAL). He participated in the SAL All-Star Game, achieving a 3–6 record, 79 strikeouts, and a 2.65 ERA in 17 games started.

2014: No-Hitter and California League Pitcher of the Year

In 2014, while pitching for the Lancaster JetHawks, Hader combined with two relief pitchers to throw a no-hitter on May 13. After a strong performance, he was promoted to the Corpus Christi Hooks and named the California League Pitcher of the Year.

July 30, 2015: Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers

On July 30, 2015, the Astros traded Hader, along with Brett Phillips, Domingo Santana, and Adrian Houser, to the Milwaukee Brewers for Carlos Gómez and Mike Fiers. He finished the season with a 3.03 ERA combined.

2015: Return to Corpus Christi and Pan American Games Selection

In 2015, Hader returned to Corpus Christi and was selected to play for the United States national baseball team in the Pan American Games.

2015: Traded and Played in Pan American Games

In 2015, Hader was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He also played for the United States national team in the Pan American Games in 2015.

2016: All-Star Futures Game Appearance

In 2016, Hader appeared in the All-Star Futures Game.

2016: Spring Training Invitation and All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2016, Hader was invited to spring training by the Brewers. He started the season with Biloxi and made his first start for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox on June 12. He was also selected to appear in the 2016 All-Star Futures Game.

2017: Promotion to Major Leagues and MLB Debut

In 2017, Hader began the season with Colorado Springs and was promoted to the major leagues by the Brewers on June 9. He made his major league debut on June 10.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Hader made his MLB debut as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers.

2018: Record-Breaking Strikeouts and All-Star Selection

In 2018, Hader became the first pitcher to record eight strikeouts in an outing less than three innings long. He was named to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, where he gave up hits and a home run.

2018: Awarded National League Reliever of the Year

In 2018, Hader had an impressive season with a 6–1 record, 12 saves, and a 2.43 ERA, along with 143 strikeouts. He won the National League Reliever of the Year Award.

2019: Last Two-Inning Appearance Before 2024

Before April 30, 2024, Hader's last two-inning appearance was in 2019.

2019: Immaculate Inning and NL Reliever of the Year Award

In 2019, Hader started as the Brewers' closer and pitched an immaculate inning on March 30. He won the NL Reliever of the Month Award for May and June, and he won his second consecutive NL Reliever of the Year Award. In the National League Wild Card Game he blew the save.

August 14, 2020: Last Outing of Four Outs

August 14, 2020, Hader made his first outing of at least four outs.

2020: Consecutive Hitless Appearances

In 2020, Hader began the season with 12 consecutive hitless appearances, which was the longest such streak in major league history. He finished the season with a 3.79 ERA and an NL-leading 13 saves.

2022: Traded to the Padres

In 2022, Hader was traded by the Brewers to the San Diego Padres.

January 13, 2023: Signed Contract with Padres

On January 13, 2023, Hader signed a one-year, $14.1 million contract with the Padres, avoiding salary arbitration. He was later named the NL Reliever of the Month for April.

January 22, 2024: Signed with the Houston Astros

On January 22, 2024, Hader signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Houston Astros.

April 30, 2024: First Win as an Astro

On April 30, 2024, Hader earned his first win as an Astro while making his first two-inning appearance since 2019.

August 10, 2024: Consecutive Save Record

On August 10, 2024, Hader surpassed Brad Lidge's franchise record by converting his 25th consecutive save opportunity.

September 13, 2024: 30th Save and 5,000th Franchise Win

On September 13, 2024, Hader recorded his 30th save, reaching the milestone for a fourth consecutive season, as the Astros achieved their 5,000th franchise win.