The Chicago Cubs are reportedly seeking to bolster their bullpen by adding a veteran pitcher, with Houston Astros relief ace Ryan Pressly emerging as a potential target. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs were close to finalizing a trade for Pressly, although other sources later clarified that the deal had not yet been completed. Notably, Pressly has a no-trade clause, which he had not waived at the time of the report, adding a layer of complexity to any potential move.
Despite this, it’s evident that the 36-year-old right-hander, who has spent 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, is available for trade. Pressly’s impressive resume includes two All-Star appearances in 2019 and 2021, as well as a World Series championship with the Astros in 2022. Throughout his career, he has been a reliable and dominant force out of the bullpen. Pressly began his MLB journey with the Minnesota Twins, where he played for six seasons before being traded to the Astros in 2018. If he were to be traded again, whether to the Cubs or another team, it would mark the third franchise of his career.
The Cubs are in need of additional bullpen depth after using Hector Neris and Porter Hodge in closing roles last season. However, Neris was released by the Cubs and signed by Houston in August, leaving Hodge as one of the few remaining options for closing games. Chicago had previously shown interest in acquiring another high-caliber reliever, such as Tanner Scott, who ultimately chose to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This shows the Cubs’ commitment to strengthening their bullpen and their continued pursuit of a proven closer like Pressly, who would bring significant experience and success to their pitching staff. With the Cubs’ interest clearly in place, the situation remains fluid, but it’s clear they are aiming to make a move to improve their bullpen for the upcoming season.
