"Announcement: Cubs to Add Astros' Closer Ryan Pressly to Roster"
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly trading Ryan Pressly, a right-handed relief pitcher, from the Houston Astros. This news has been confirmed by multiple media outlets on Sunday.
Pressly, who has been the Astros' closer for three of the last four seasons, has agreed to waive his no-trade clause for this move. The Astros will also be paying a portion of his remaining salary, although it is not yet known what the Cubs will be sending in return.
The 36-year-old Pressly has been a key player for the Astros, recording 90 saves from 2021 to 2023 and helping the team win the 2022 World Series as their closer. However, with the signing of Josh Hader as their long-term closer in 2024, Pressly's role on the team has diminished.
According to USA Today, this trade will create space for the Astros to potentially re-sign their two-time All-Star third baseman, Alex Bregman.
It is expected that Pressly will become the Cubs' new closer. In his career, he has made 623 relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins (2013-18) and Astros (2018-24), with a record of 35-36 and 112 saves, and an ERA of 3.27. In the 2024 season, he made 59 appearances, recording a 2-3 record, four saves, and a 3.49 ERA.
This is the second trade between the Cubs and the Astros this offseason, as the Cubs previously acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker, known for his home run-hitting abilities.
