MLB’s spring training is just weeks away, and teams are rushing to make their final roster moves. Here’s what’s happening in baseball today:
The Cubs might land Pressly as Tigers drop out
The race to grab Astros reliever Ryan Pressly has narrowed to just one team – the Chicago Cubs. The Tigers, who were in the mix, have backed away from talks.
Pressly, who’s 36, is coming off a pretty solid year. He posted a 3.49 ERA and struck out more than three times as many batters as he walked in 56 2/3 innings. He’s been an All-Star twice in his career.
But here’s the catch – Pressly has a full no-trade clause, meaning he can shoot down any deal he doesn’t like. We still don’t know if he’s willing to head to Chicago.
Money is the big reason Houston’s looking to move him. They’d save $14 million by trading Pressly, cash they might use to try keeping fan-favorite third baseman Alex Bregman around.
Mets take a long-term gamble on former Cubs closer
The New York Mets are thinking ahead – way ahead. They’ve signed Adbert Alzolay to a two-year minor-league contract, but don’t expect to see him on the mound anytime soon.
Alzolay had Tommy John surgery last August, which means he’ll probably miss all of 2025. Teams typically give pitchers about 14 months to recover from this major operation.
The 29-year-old reliever only pitched in 18 games last season due to arm problems. But in 2023, he was really impressive as the Cubs’ closer:
– Posted a strong 2.67 ERA
– Saved 22 games
– Struck out more than five times as many batters as he walked
This signing is clearly about 2026, when the Mets hope Alzolay can return to his pre-injury form.
