Pressly Traded to Cubs

The Houston Astros are trading veteran relief pitcher Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for financial relief to pursue other players.  

Pressly was a key member of the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship team, pitching on the mound when they clinched the title. He will be reunited with outfielder Kyle Tucker, who caught the final out of that World Series win.  

The trade gives the Astros more financial flexibility to potentially sign free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco, who can also play the outfield. They haven’t ruled out re-signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, but it’s considered a longshot.  

The Astros and Cubs made a similar big trade in December, with Houston sending Tucker to Chicago for young prospects.  

Pressly’s departure leaves a hole in the Astros’ bullpen just two weeks before Spring Training. The team will look to fill the void left by Pressly, potentially moving Bryan Abreu into the primary setup role.