The Cubs are beefing up their bullpen in a big way, landing two-time All-Star Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros in a deal that includes cash heading to Chicago.
Pressly, 36, has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to make the move happen.
It’s actually the second major deal between these teams this offseason, following the earlier swap that sent Kyle Tucker to Chicago for Isaac Paredes and other pieces.
For Cubs fans wondering about their new reliever, Pressly’s got some serious credentials. He was the guy who closed out Houston’s 2022 World Series win – ironically with Tucker making the final catch in right field.
Last season, Pressly put up solid numbers with a 3.49 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 56 â…” innings. He stepped aside from the closer role when the Astros brought in Josh Hader, but he’s got plenty of experience shutting down games.
The Cubs have been desperately searching for a reliable closer. While youngsters Porter Hodge, Tyson Miller, and Keegan Thompson have shown promise, the team needed a proven veteran to anchor their bullpen. They almost landed Tanner Scott before he chose the Dodgers instead.
Now it looks like Pressly will take over the ninth inning duties in Chicago before spring training even starts.
The money side of things is interesting. Pressly’s set to make $14 million this year and is under contract through 2025. Houston’s willingness to send cash in the deal might mean they’re freeing up space – maybe for bringing back Alex Bregman?
For the Astros, they’re still loaded at the back end with Hader closing and Bryan Abreu setting him up. They’re gunning for their ninth straight playoff appearance.
The Cubs? They’re trying to break a playoff drought that goes back to 2018 (not counting the shortened 2020 season). After two straight years of finishing 83-79, they’re clearly pushing their chips in for 2024.
