MLB Trade Rumors: Cubs Asked About Astros' Ryan Pressly; RP Has No-Trade Clause
A Houston Astros pitcher is reportedly drawing trade interest this offseason.
Per the New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Chicago Cubs "and many other teams" have inquired about reliever Ryan Pressly. The veteran has a no-trade clause, however, meaning any team that wants to deal for him would first need his approval.
While a handful of teams reportedly asked about Pressly, the Cubs appear to be making the most headway. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Thursday that Chicago is "on the verge of acquiring" Pressly from Houston.
Any deal for Pressly requires him to waive his no-trade clause, but The Athletic's Chandler Rome reported that he hasn't done so yet. Rome also noted that "no deal is imminent."
Jon Heyman @JonHeymanAstros relief star Ryan Pressly, pursued seriously by 3 teams, has full no-trade and told the Astros he's disinclined to go East or West. So that's a "no" for Jays, 1 of the teams. He hasn't committed either way yet on Cubs, who're trying <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNightengale</a> 1st on Cubs interest
The Cubs could be a team Pressly is willing to waive his no-trade clause for if they make Houston an offer it agrees with. Chicago is looking to add a reliever to look to in the late innings, which could give Pessly a chance to return to a closer role.
Pressly was a closer for the Astros from 2020 to 2023 and excelled in that role, posting 71 saves and keeping his ERA at 3.58 or lower. Last season, Pressly posted a 3.49 ERA in 59 appearances in a setup role for Houston.
As the Astros try to find a trade for one of their veterans, they're looking to bring back another veteran in free agency.
According to Rome, Houston re-engaged in talks with free agent third basemen Alex Bregman on Thursday. Bregman reportedly declined a six-year offer worth around $156 million from the Astros earlier this offseason and is seeking a deal worth around $200 million.
Bregman, who slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in 2024, has been a cornerstone for Houston over the past decade but has garnered interest from a handful of teams, namely the Detroit Tigers. If Houston is interested in re-signing Bregman, it will likely need to act fast.
