The Chicago Cubs are trying to bolster their bullpen with a standout pitcher.
The Houston Astros have discussed trading bullpen pitcher Ryan Pressly with other teams. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs were “on the verge” of signing Pressly on Thursday.
Pressly had not been moved, according to several reporters who responded to Nightengale’s claim. At the time this report was written, Pressly had not renounced his no-trade provision.
The veteran reliever Pressly is obviously available, even if the Cubs haven’t signed him yet.
Pressly has 12 seasons of MLB pitching experience. He won the 2022 World Series with the Astros and was named to the All-Star team in both 2019 and 2021. The 36-year-old was traded to the Astros in 2018 after playing for the Minnesota Twins for his first six seasons. He would join this third MLB franchise if he were dealt to Chicago or another team.
Last season, the Cubs mostly relied on Porter Hodge and Hector Neris to end games. Hodge is still with the organization, but Neris was cut by the Cubs and signed with Houston in August.
It’s not surprising that the Cubs are interested in Pressly given their intense interest in Tanner Scott, who decided to sign with the Dodgers.
