Ryan Pressly, an All-Star reliever with strong postseason credentials, has not yet accepted or rejected a trade from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs, a league source informed The Athletic on Friday. Pressly is debating whether to make a fresh start or stay where his family calls home. At the same time, the Cubs and Astros are also in talks with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, according to individuals familiar with the situation, though it is unknown where those teams are. Multiple league sources tell The Athletic that the Astros had re-engaged with Bregman in recent days, joining the Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Toronto Blue Jays as prospective suitors.
While the Cubs are trying to be creative with a Bregman deal, insiders say their current baseball operations budget does not allow much room for the All-Star third baseman. Like the Astros, the Cubs’ ownership group is hesitant to exceed the $241 million luxury-tax threshold. A league source stated that the Tigers are also in trade talks for Pressly, although it is unlikely that Pressly will accept a deal there. According to one MLB insider, the Astros are “doing whatever they can” to deal Pressly.
Houston’s biggest benefit from the Pressly trade would be payroll reduction and some flexibility for future acquisitions. Pressly is guaranteed $14 million this season, which is a significant figure for the Astros given the presence of All-Star closer Josh Hader. Last season, Pressly struggled to adjust to a setup role behind Hader and, presumably, preferred to close games. The Cubs could give him that chance. Nonetheless, Pressly cherishes his time in Houston and is proud of the legacy he has built during the Astros’ golden period, during which he has evolved into one of the franchise’s most clutch postseason players. The question of whether he wants to move on from that is reasonable.
With each organization at a crossroads, the Cubs and Astros have already agreed to a blockbuster trade this summer. In a win-now move, the Cubs packaged infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith to secure Kyle Tucker’s final season before the All-Star outfielder enters free agency.
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