Image Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs acquire closer Ryan Pressly from Houston Astros

Pressly was instrumental in the Astros’ 2022 World Series win.

Image Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Pressly has a new home. The Houston Astros traded the closer to the Chicago Cubs this Sunday, January 26. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Astros will help cover Pressly’s $14 million salary in 2025. The player reportedly played a part in the move by waiving his no-trade clause.

Pressly had been with the Astros since 2018, when he was traded from the Minnesota Twins. In the following years, he became the team’s main closer and was instrumental in the Astros’ 2022 World Series win. During that playoff run, he recorded six saves in 10 games, with no runs allowed and 13 strikeouts.

Cubs to reportedly acquire RHP Ryan Pressly from the Astros, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EphcSH's @brianmctaggart. pic.twitter.com/uFTMWt0ttp
— MLB (@MLB) January 26, 2025

However, in 2024, Pressly lost his role as the main closer after the arrival of Josh Hader, with Hader taking over the closing duties. Pressly only finished eight games out of 59 appearances, ending the year with a 3.49 ERA in 56 and two-thirds innings.

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Sources close to the team suggest that the trade of Pressly might be connected to negotiations with third baseman Alex Bregman. The Astros are looking to create salary cap space for a potential major deal. They are trying to bring Bregman back, who is currently a free agent for the first time in his career. Although the two sides had seemingly ended discussions, the team’s owner, Dana Brown, left the door open last week.

This is the second trade between the Astros and Cubs during this MLB offseason. As a contingency plan in case they lose Bregman, Houston acquired Isaac Paredes in a deal that sent Kyle Tucker to Chicago. In addition to Paredes, the Astros also signed free agent Christian Walker to bolster their infield.

Chicago Cubs

Ryan Pressly

The Playoffs News Team