The Chicago Cubs have been interested in a big-time relief pitcher all offseason and finally acquired their guy. The Cubs and Houston Astros have been discussing a Ryan Pressly trade as the two sides waited for Pressly to waive his no-trade clause to head to the Northside. According to Brian McTaggart, Pressly has waived his no-trade clause and will become a Cub.
Source: Ryan Pressly has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to join Cubs.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) January 26, 2025
Cubs to reportedly acquire RHP Ryan Pressly from the Astros, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EphcSH‘s @brianmctaggart. pic.twitter.com/uFTMWt0ttp
— MLB (@MLB) January 26, 2025
Pressly adds a big arm into that Cubs bullpen as Chicago looks to improve and make the playoffs in 2025. Pressly, who spent most of his Houston run as the closer, was their setup man after the Astros acquired Josh Hader. Last year, Pressly had a 3.49 ERA as he went 2-3 in 59 games with 4 saves.
Pressly really stepped up for the Astros in 2022 during their run to the World Series. He went 6-for-6 in saves, struck out 3, and didn’t allow an earned run. His overall Astros postseason ERA was 2.78.
When Johnny came on, it was over.
🔹 6-for-6 save opportunities
🔸 11.0 innings pitched
🔹 13 strikeouts
🔸 4 hits allowed
🔹 0 earned runs
Ryan Pressly’s 2022 postseason was historic. Thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/WLaXDkBfmW— Yordaddy2025mvp (@Yordaddy2025mvp) January 26, 2025
The Astros will get Cubs prospect Juan Bello in return.
#Astros are receiving RHP Juan Bello from the Cubs in the Ryan Pressly deal, according to @AriA1exander.
The 20-year-old made 22 starts in Single-A in 2024 and posted a 3.21 ERA with 91 K in 89.2 innings. pic.twitter.com/hSyDrnpqIs— Astros Future (@AstrosFuture) January 26, 2025
The Cubs have been looking for a big splash move to help them compete in 2025 and the team got it in acquiring Pressly. The Cubs hope moving Pressly back to a full-time closer role should help him get back to form.
While Ryan Pressly’s advanced metrics took a dip in 2024, the closer was great in 2023:
— Tobey Schulman (@tschulmanreport) January 26, 2025
35% Chase% (98th percentile)
31.4% Whiff% (85th percentile)
27.6% K% (80th percentile)
6.0% BB% (83rd percentile)
54.8% GB% (90th percentile)
Great get for the #Cubspic.twitter.com/NhGxXleW3N
Main Photo Credits: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
