The Chicago Cubs have finalized the trade to acquire Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, with medical clearance pending. Pressly, a former Astros closer, will waive his no-trade clause and work out a deal to cover part of his $14 million salary via additional compensation sent to Houston. In return, the Astros will send a low-level Cubs prospect not on Chicago’s 40-man roster.
Pressly, entering his 13th season, has 112 career saves with a 3.27 ERA and is expected to become the Cubs’ closer after being let go by the Astros in 2023 when they signed Josh Hader to a long-term deal. The veteran righty will join a bullpen that struggled to record 26 saves last season, as the Cubs aim to make their first playoff appearance since 2020 and build toward a 2025 push.
The move comes amid internal competition for closer roles. Starting pitcher Adbert Alzolay was ineffective last season and underwent Tommy John surgery. Twenty-three-year-old Porter Hodge secured the role in relief but lacked the experience desired by management, prompting the Cubs to look elsewhere.
Chicago had initially pursued lefty Tanner Scott before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week, showing less interest in other potential free agent closers. The focus was on securing Pressly for a more affordable option.
Pressly will join an already strengthened bullpen led by Eli Morgan and Cody Poteet, with additional depth from Matt Festa and Caleb Thielbar. The trade is expected to finalize the bulk of the team’s winter moves ahead of the 2025 season.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43539196/cubs-acquire-reliever-ryan-pressly-astros-sources-say