Cubs Acquire All-Star Reliever from Astros
The Chicago Cubs have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. As part of the trade, Houston will send $5.5 million to Chicago in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Juan Bello. Pressly, who had a no-trade clause, agreed to waive it to facilitate the move.
This marks the second major trade between the two clubs this offseason, following the blockbuster deal that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for Isaac Paredes and additional assets.
Pressly, 36, was Houston’s primary closer from 2021 to 2023, playing a crucial role in the team’s success, including securing the final out of the 2022 World Series. However, his role changed when the Astros signed free agent Josh Hader, pushing Pressly into a setup position. Last season, he posted a 3.49 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP and 58 strikeouts over 56 ⅔ innings.
In return, the Astros receive Juan Bello, a promising 20-year-old pitcher who made 22 starts in A-ball last season. Bello recorded a 3.21 ERA with a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.25. Evaluators view him as a potential depth starter but note that he needs to refine his secondary pitches to succeed at higher levels.
The Cubs had been searching for a reliable closer this offseason, reportedly showing interest in Tanner Scott before he signed with the Dodgers. With Pressly now in the mix, he is expected to take over the closer role immediately, while relievers such as Porter Hodge and Tyson Miller could slot into setup positions.
Pressly is entering the final year of his contract, earning $14 million in 2024 before becoming a free agent after the 2025 season. The trade raises questions about Houston’s intentions—whether it was primarily a salary dump or the first step toward making another significant move, such as re-signing Alex Bregman.
For Houston, Hader remains the closer, with Bryan Abreu continuing as the primary setup man. The Astros are aiming for their ninth consecutive playoff appearance in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Cubs are hoping this move helps end their postseason drought, as they have failed to reach the playoffs in a full season since 2018, finishing with 83 wins in each of the past two seasons.
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