The Houston Astros are looking to bolster their already strong bullpen as they aim for another postseason run. With Josh Hader entrenched as the closer and Bryan Abreu offering solid support, the team could still use more depth. A trade proposal involving prospects Chase Jaworsky and Will Bush for reliever Dennis Santana from the Pittsburgh Pirates has been suggested. Santana has excelled with a 1.46 ERA across 37 games this season, although he may not be a major strikeout pitcher. However, his impressive WHIP and ability to pitch at an All-Star level make him an attractive addition for a contender like the Astros, who are already ranked third in bullpen ERA.

This potential trade not only addresses a depth issue but also secures Santana’s services through at least 2026, enhancing Houston's long-term plans without merely acquiring a rental. This strategic move could significantly impact their quest for another World Series title.

Josh Hader continues to dominate as the best closer in baseball, securing his 24th save this week for the Houston Astros with a stellar performance against the Cubs and Rockies. His setup man, Bryan Abreu, is also excelling with 21 holds and a remarkable K/BB ratio. Andrés Muñoz returned for the Seattle Mariners, claiming his first save since June 8 after a rough patch, while Edwin Díaz's consistent scoring adds to his impressive season stats. Aroldis Chapman remains a formidable force for the Boston Red Sox, boasting 15 consecutive appearances without an earned run. Meanwhile, rising star Randy Rodríguez is emerging as a potential closer-in-waiting for the San Francisco Giants, leading middle relievers in WAR.

The Houston Astros have notably shifted their bullpen strategy, now incorporating a significant number of left-handed pitchers. This season, the Astros have five lefties in their bullpen, including the highly effective closer, Josh Hader, who has remained flawless in his save opportunities. Hader's dominance is reflected in his performance, holding right-handed hitters to a mere .160 batting average. The Astros' left-handed relievers have excelled against right-handed hitters, contributing to the team's impressive second-lowest bullpen ERA of 3.21.

In a recent game against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Astros showcased their left-handed depth, utilizing four lefties to seal a shutout victory. Each pitcher delivered a scoreless inning, demonstrating their ability to neutralize right-handed hitters even against a lineup that historically performs well against left-handers. This strategic adaptability underlines the Astros' emphasis on versatility over traditional platoon advantages in today's game.

Aroldis Chapman is enjoying a resurgence in Boston, showcasing one of his best seasons as a 16-year veteran. With a remarkable 14 saves out of 15 opportunities and an impressive 1.36 ERA, he has been a key component for the Red Sox this season. His recent outings, including a clean save against the Giants and striking out three against the Angels, highlight his dominance.

Meanwhile, Josh Hader continues to excel for the Houston Astros, having completed five appearances in the last week, earning three saves along with a win. His statistics reflect his top-tier status, boasting a 1.73 ERA and a solid K/BB ratio. Moreover, in Atlanta, Dylan Lee has emerged as a reliable option in save opportunities, complementing Edwin Díaz's return. The Closer Report also identifies various relievers to watch across the league.

The Chicago White Sox faced a tough challenge in Houston against the Astros, coming close but ultimately falling 4-3. Mike Tauchman ignited hope with a ninth-inning home run, reducing the deficit to one run. The Sox battled throughout the game, with Edgar Quero driving in two runs and Miguel Vargas doubling off the wall as they threatened a comeback. However, Astros closer Josh Hader struck out Austin Slater to seal the victory, marking yet another series loss for the Sox against Houston.

Despite the loss, manager Will Venable praised his team's effort, signaling a growing frustration over losing close games. Sox starter Davis Martin expressed the need for better momentum management, particularly after giving up runs immediately following their scoring efforts. The performance showcased both the potential of the Sox’s offense and the challenges they face in closing out games against elite pitchers like Framber Valdez, who managed to keep the Sox at bay despite their eight-hit performance against him.