The Chicago Cubs are finalizing a blockbuster trade to acquire All-Star closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, pending medical review, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Sunday. Pressly, a 36-year-old right-hander, is expected to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal. The Astros will reportedly send money to the Cubs to help cover Pressly’s $14 million salary for the 2025 season.
Pressly Brings Proven Closing Experience to North Side
The addition of Pressly provides the Cubs with a battle-tested closer as they look to make a playoff push this upcoming season. Chicago hasn’t reached the postseason since 2020 and lacked an established ninth-inning ace in recent years. Pressly, meanwhile, racked up 112 saves with a 3.27 ERA over his 12-year MLB career, which included six seasons with the Minnesota Twins before joining the Astros in 2018.
Pressly was a crucial part of our championship core and will be greatly missed. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to a young Cubs team looking to take the next step.
— Astros GM Dana Brown
Struggles in Chicago Bullpen
The Cubs’ relief corps ranked among the worst in baseball last season, blowing 26 save opportunities. Injuries plagued the unit, with Adbert Alzolay, the early favorite for the closer role, requiring Tommy John surgery. By season’s end, rookie Porter Hodge found himself thrust into high-leverage situations, a role the organization hoped to address this offseason.
- Cubs 2024 Blown Saves: 26 (2nd most in MLB)
- Cubs 2024 Bullpen ERA: 4.83 (26th in MLB)
While the Cubs expressed interest in free agent southpaw Tanner Scott before he signed with the Dodgers, sources indicate the front office was less enthused about the other available options on the open market. Instead, they pivoted to trade discussions, ultimately homing in on the veteran Pressly.
Pressly’s Path to the Cubs
Originally a starter when drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, Pressly transitioned to the bullpen full-time with the Twins in 2013. He emerged as a late-inning force with the Astros, earning All-Star honors in 2019 and 2021. From 2021-2023, Pressly served as Houston’s primary closer before the team signed lefty Josh Hader to a long-term deal this past winter.
| Ryan Pressly Career Stats | Games | Saves | ERA |
| 12 MLB Seasons | 556 | 112 | 3.27 |
Still owed $14 million in the final season of a three-year, $42 million contract, Pressly seemed a likely trade candidate as the Astros aimed to trim payroll. The Cubs, armed with financial flexibility and prospect capital, proved a logical suitor.
Revamped Relief Corps Ready for Contention
Pressly will headline a new-look bullpen that added several veteran arms this winter, including Eli Morgan, Cody Poteet, Matt Festa, Caleb Thielbar and Rob Zastryzny. With an improved relief staff to complement a solid rotation, the Cubs are positioned as a potential sleeper in the competitive National League.
While precise terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed, Pressly’s arrival marks a significant step in the Cubs’ efforts to return to prominence after a lengthy retool. If the revamped roster meshes, Chicago could find itself back in the thick of the playoff chase sooner than many anticipated.
