Astros Trade Ryan Pressly to Cubs, Ending an Era in Houston
The Houston Astros have parted ways with another key player from their recent championship teams, trading veteran reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs.
The move had been in the works for some time, but one major hurdle had to be cleared—Pressly’s no-trade clause. This meant that he had to personally approve the deal before it could be finalized. While the Astros and Cubs reached an agreement in principle, it took a few days for the 36-year-old right-hander to give his consent.
Why Pressly Approved the Trade
During a press conference on Wednesday, Pressly explained why he ultimately agreed to the move.
“I still feel like I can close, and I want to prove that I can still close,” he told reporters, including MLB.com. “An opportunity came up where I could have that chance again. I figured I could capitalize on it and see what happens.”
For four seasons, Pressly served as Houston’s closer, including during the team’s 2022 World Series-winning campaign. However, his role shifted last year when the Astros signed Josh Hader to a five-year contract, pushing Pressly into a setup role.
Astros general manager Dana Brown acknowledged that this change impacted the relationship between Pressly and the organization, though both sides remained professional.
Pressly’s Performance in 2023
Despite no longer being the primary closer, Pressly still performed well in a high-leverage role. In 59 appearances, he posted a 3.49 ERA, striking out 58 and walking 18 over 56 innings. He also recorded four saves.
Accepting a trade wasn’t an easy decision for Pressly, especially since he had moved his family to Houston last year with hopes of finishing his career as an Astro. However, the opportunity in Chicago was too good to ignore.
Cubs Gain an Experienced Closer
Unlike Houston, where Hader took over the ninth-inning duties, the Cubs don’t have a proven closer on their roster. Pressly brings valuable experience, with 112 career saves. Last year’s closer, Porter Hodge, only assumed the role after others struggled and ended the season with just nine saves.
A 12-year MLB veteran, Pressly has been named an All-Star twice, most recently in 2021. For much of his career, he pitched as a setup man, but he transitioned to closer during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
A Key Contributor to Houston’s Success
Pressly originally joined the Astros at the 2018 trade deadline. In 2019, he set an MLB record for most consecutive scoreless appearances with 40.
He thrived in the closer role, recording 33 saves in 2022 and 31 in 2023. During the 2022 season, he earned All-MLB honors and became the first relief pitcher in history to contribute to two combined no-hitters, including one in the World Series.
Though his time in Houston has come to an end, Pressly now has a chance to reclaim a closer’s role in Chicago, marking the start of a new chapter in his career.
