The Chicago Cubs are making a bold move this offseason, finalizing a trade for Ryan Pressly, the experienced right-handed reliever, who is set to add a powerful arm to the back end of their bullpen. This marks the Cubs' second major offseason acquisition from the Houston Astros, after bringing in All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in December. The trade is now close to completion, with the final details hanging on the review of medical records, according to sources familiar with the deal.
In a notable step, Pressly, who holds the power to block trades due to his 12 years in the majors and his six-plus seasons with the Astros, has agreed to waive his no-trade clause. His decision is a significant one for the Cubs, who are in desperate need of bullpen reinforcements after a season in which they finished with an 83-79 record, securing second place in the NL Central for the second consecutive year. The Cubs’ bullpen woes were a key factor in their struggles, and the addition of Pressly is expected to make a huge impact.
Pressly's 3.49 ERA from 59 appearances in 2024 showcases his consistency, especially as he filled the critical setup role behind Josh Hader. With this trade, Pressly is expected to bring even more stability to the Cubs' bullpen. It's a smart move for Chicago as it shores up one of the most important areas of their roster. He is slated to earn $14 million in the final year of his contract, making this a one-year rental that could have significant long-term benefits if he performs well.
On the flip side, the Houston Astros, who have a deep and competitive roster, are using the savings from this trade to bolster other parts of their team. With Pressly's departure, they are freeing up salary to potentially upgrade their outfield, a position that could benefit from some additional firepower. There's even buzz that the Astros could make a renewed push to bring back free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, further solidifying their already impressive lineup.
While Pressly’s departure opens up a spot in Houston’s bullpen, it also presents an opportunity for Bryan Abreu and Tayler Scott to step up into more prominent roles. These two relievers could play a more pivotal part in the Astros' bullpen, setting the stage for Hader to maintain his closing duties.
Pressly’s impact on the game cannot be overstated. A native of Dallas, Texas, he made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2013, where he spent the first five-plus seasons of his career before being traded to the Astros in July 2018. His time with Houston saw him rise to prominence as one of the league’s best relievers, establishing himself as a key player in the Astros' bullpen during their World Series-winning seasons.
One of Pressly's most impressive feats came between August 2018 and May 2019, when he went on an unforgettable streak of 40 consecutive games without allowing a run. That dominant stretch solidified his status as one of the most reliable arms in the game. His performance in 2022, when the Astros clinched their second-ever World Series title, was nothing short of clutch. Pressly saved six games during the postseason, striking out 13 batters and allowing just an unearned run over 11 innings in 10 appearances, proving that he could deliver in high-pressure moments.
Pressly’s regular-season numbers also paint an impressive picture. He has a career ERA of 3.27 over 623 major league games, with 112 saves to his name. His consistency and ability to close games, paired with 693 strikeouts and 190 walks in 650 innings, make him a valuable asset to any team looking to strengthen their bullpen.
For the Cubs, the addition of Pressly is part of a broader strategy to improve their overall roster. In December, they also secured Kyle Tucker, a player with the potential to make a big impact in the outfield, further solidifying their intentions to contend in 2025. Their bullpen was a weak point in 2024, and the signing of Pressly addresses that directly. The Cubs were even reportedly in the mix for Tanner Scott before he ultimately joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, but securing Pressly is a win for Chicago.
A significant element in this trade is how it shifts the roles of other Cubs pitchers. Porter Hodge, who had an impressive rookie season in 2024 with a 1.88 ERA and nine saves, will likely move into a setup role with Pressly now in the fold. Hodge’s performance last year was one of the bright spots for the Cubs, and the chance to work alongside a veteran like Pressly will only help his development as a pitcher.
Looking ahead, Pressly’s move to the Cubs represents a promising opportunity for both sides. For the Cubs, it’s a chance to bolster a bullpen that underperformed last season, and for Pressly, it’s an opportunity to close out his career with a team that’s ready to make a run at the playoffs. Chicago’s decision to acquire Pressly signals their commitment to improving, and if he continues to perform at a high level, he could be a key piece in their push for the postseason.
As for the Astros, they are now faced with the challenge of replacing Pressly’s veteran presence in the bullpen. However, with a deep roster and a track record of success, they are well-equipped to handle the loss. Hader will continue to serve as the closer, but it will be interesting to see who steps up in the setup role to ensure that the Astros’ bullpen remains one of the best in the league.
In the end, this trade could prove to be a game-changer for both teams. The Cubs are addressing a critical need in their bullpen, and Pressly is the perfect fit for what they’re looking for. The Astros, while losing a key piece in Pressly, are making moves to strengthen other areas of their roster, potentially setting up a future with even more success. As the trade finalizes and we head into the 2025 season, one thing is for sure: this move is going to shake up the dynamics of both teams, and the competition is only going to get fiercer.
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