Reports: Cubs acquiring Astros closer Ryan Pressly

Field Level Media|published: Sun 26th January, 18:32 2025

Oct 2, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly (55) throws against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of game two of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros are dealing right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, multiple media outlets reported Sunday.

Pressly, who served as Houston's closer for three of the past four seasons, will waive his no-trade clause to allow the move to go through, and the Astros will pay some of his remaining salary, the reports said. It was not yet known what Chicago would send to Houston in the deal.

Pressly, 36, racked up 90 saves from 2021 through 2023 and helped the Astros win the 2022 World Series as their closer. Then the club signed Josh Hader to a long-term deal and made him their closer in 2024.

By dealing Pressly now, Houston created some room to re-sign two-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, according to USA Today.

Pressly is likely to become the Cubs' closer. In 623 relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins (2013-18) and Astros (2018-24), Pressly amassed a 35-36 record and 112 saves while pitching to a 3.27 ERA. He made 59 appearances in 2024 and had a 2-3 record, four saves and a 3.49 ERA.

The Cubs made their second trade of the offseason with the Astros. Chicago previously acquired home run-hitting outfielder Kyle Tucker.

--Field Level Media

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