CHICAGO (WGN) — The Chicago Cubs are finalizing a deal to acquire Houston Astros’ former All-Star closer Ryan Pressly, according to reports.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the trade is pending medical review and Pressly will waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the trade to Chicago. Houston will send $14 million to help cover his salary.
Pressly operated out of a set-up role behind Josh Hader in 2024, but before Hader joined Houston on a five-year, $95 million deal last January, Pressly was one of the Astros’ preferred closing options out of the bullpen.
He notched 25-plus saves three seasons in a row, which included an American League All-Star team appearance in 2021 when Pressly notched 26 saves and 81 strikeouts to just 13 walks to the tune of a 2.25 ERA across 64 innings pitched. He logged 64 saves over the next two seasons combined.
The acquisition fills an immediate need for the Cubs, who finished T-6th in Major League Baseball in blown saves in 2024 (26).
Spring training officially begins for the Cubs on Feb. 20, when they will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Cactus League opener.