This winter, MLB rumors have linked the Chicago Cubs to numerous pitchers on the market, including MLB free agents and prospective trade candidates. With spring training approaching, Chicago has apparently shifted its eye to a new target. Following the December trade for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Cubs were linked to Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo and free agent starter Roki Sasaki. However, Sasaki has signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Mariners’ asking price for Castillo is apparently quite expensive. So, Chicago appears to be taking a different strategy to improving their pitching staff before Opening Day.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs are among the teams looking to trade for Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly. While numerous teams covet Pressly and have discussed the terms of a trade with Houston, Heyman says Pressly is “disinclined” to play for a team on either coast. Pressly, who is owed a $14 million salary in the final year of his contract, wields authority in Houston due to a no-trade clause, according to reports. With the Astros looking for ways to reduce salary and perhaps re-sign All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, a Pressly deal would save the team a lot of money while also increasing the club’s chances of re-signing him.
While MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Thursday that Chicago and Houston are “on the verge” of a deal, Astros beat writer Chandler Rome of The Athletic denied the claim. Pressly is apparently on the trade block, but no deal is close, and he has yet to waive his no-trade clause as of Friday morning. In Pressly, Chicago would add an All-Star reliever with a 3.07 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 234.1 innings pitched from 2021 to 2024. Pressly, who is 36 years old, will get the opportunity to serve as the Cubs closer after the team missed out on Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, both of whom have signed with the Dodgers.
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