Astros reliever Ryan Pressly waives no-trade clause to join Chicago Cubs, AP reports

The Chicago Cubs are close to finalizing a deal with the Houston Astros for veteran reliever Ryan Pressly, bolstering their bullpen with the right-hander in their second major offseason deal with the team.

What we know:

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 02: Ryan Pressly #55 of the Houston Astros pitches during Game 2 of the Wild Card Series presented by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet between the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 (Getty Images )

Pressly, 36, has agreed to waive his no-trade clause, pending a review of his medical records. 

An anonymous source confirmed the deal to the AP on Sunday, with both teams having reached an agreement. 

The backstory:

Pressly, who has 12 years in the majors, spent six of those seasons with the Astros, where he posted a 3.49 ERA in 59 appearances last year as a setup man for Josh Hader.

This move comes on the heels of the Cubs' acquisition of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in December, further strengthening their roster. 

RELATED: Kyle Tucker and Chicago Cubs avoid arbitration, agree to $16.5 million, 1-year contract, AP source says

After finishing 83-79 in 2024, the Cubs had been seeking bullpen reinforcements. 

They were reportedly in talks for Tanner Scott before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Cubs also have promising rookie Porter Hodge, who posted a 1.88 ERA and nine saves last season. However, with Pressly's arrival, Hodge is expected to transition into a setup role.

Pressly is in the final year of his contract, set to make $14 million in 2025, a move that could free up Houston to pursue other roster upgrades, including a potential reunion with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.

Throughout his career, Pressly has accumulated 112 saves and 693 strikeouts in 623 games, maintaining a steady 3.27 ERA.

CubsSports