Astros' Joe Espada reveals why Josh Hader is dominating again in 2025

Last season was a forgettable one for Houston Astros reliever Josh Hader. In his first year with the Astros, the veteran bullpen arm recorded a 3.80 ERA and allowed 12 home runs, the most since 2019, when he gave up 15 while with the Milwaukee Brewers.

After being a dominant reliever for the Brewers and San Diego Padres, the question heading into the 2025 MLB season was whether Hader would return to his past self, which he has.

This season, the 31-year-old has posted a 2.40 ERA and a 1.6 WAR for Houston. On Friday, Astros manager Joe Espada appeared on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM and spoke about what has led to Hader having a bounce-back season.

MORE: Astros announce unfortunate Isaac Paredes injury news

"[Hader has] been remarkable in dominating what he's been able to do," Espada said. "It starts with his mindset. He's got this killer instinct that you need for when you come in in the ninth, when the house is on fire. He's got that mindset to do it. And also, how he's using his pitches.

"We all know about his power stuff, but he's been able to pitch backwards when he needs to, and keep hitters off balance, keep hitters off his fastball and pitching ahead in the count. He's been able to execute when he needs to. Last year, when he first got here, it took him a while to get going, but once he got going, he hasn't stopped."

With strikeout, whiff and chase rates all in the 99th percentile, Josh Hader is back to dominating in the 9th inning.#Astros | @astros
🔗 https://t.co/6YbqEWFvEppic.twitter.com/AOhRbHY4ON

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) July 18, 2025

After not being named an All-Star last season, Hader went back to the Midsummer Classic this year. Houston will now need their closer to keep this form as they push for the playoffs in the second half of the season.