CHICAGO -- The Cubs have acquired closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros.
Pressly was to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the move, and Houston was to send money to help cover his $14 million salary, sources told ESPN.
The Cubs sent right-handed pitcher Juan Bello back to Houston in the deal. Bello, 20, spent three years in the Cubs organization, playing for Class-A Myrtle Beach last season where he had a 3.21 ERA in 22 games started.
Pressly, 36, is likely to become the Cubs' closer, a role he held with Houston from 2021 to 2023 before the Astros signed Josh Hader to a long-term contract. The veteran righty has 112 saves with a 3.27 ERA during his 12-year career, which includes six seasons in Minnesota.
The Astros showed its appreciation of the righty on social media, dubbing him "H-Town's finest" and thanking him.
H-Town's finest. ⁰⁰Thank you for every moment, Press. pic.twitter.com/N7fMRZDhj4
— Houston Astros (@astros) January 28, 2025
Pressly will join a bullpen that blew 26 saves last season, as the Cubs are looking to make a playoff push in 2025. Chicago hasn't been to the postseason since 2020, working without an established closer over the past few years.
Righty Adbert Alzolay was ineffective last season, then he suffered a forearm injury and eventually needed Tommy John surgery. Porter Hodge, 23, finished the season as the closer, but the team wanted more experience and depth in the back end of the bullpen.
The Cubs pursued lefty Tanner Scott before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last weekend, according to league sources. Chicago was less interested in the other free agent closers, instead settling for Pressly, who has one year left on a three-year, $42 million contract signed before the 2023 season.
Pressly will join newcomers Eli Morgan, Cody Poteet, Matt Festa, Caleb Thielbar and Rob Zastryzny in the Cubs' bullpen.
The trade likely concludes the bulk of the team's winter moves.
