Former Houston Astros Closer Explains Why He Approved Trade to Cubs Houston Astros closer Ryan Pressly spoke with media on Wednesday about why he eventually accepted the trade to Chicago. The Houston Astros traded reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, parting ways with another member of their World Series club. Houston had been shopping him all winter, but there was a catch. The veteran had a no-trade clause in his contract, so he had to agree the deal. When it was announced that the Astros had reached an agreement in principle with the Cubs, the 36-year-old right-hander took a few days to approve.
During an interview with media on Wednesday, including MLB.com, Pressly explained why he ultimately approved the deal. “I still feel like I can close, and I want to still prove that I can close, and an opportunity came up where I could have that chance again,” according to him. “I figured I could go capitalize on that opportunity and see what happens.” Pressly was the Astros’ closer for four seasons, including their 2022 World Series victory. Last year, however, Houston signed Josh Hader to a five-year contract and shifted Pressly to a set-up duty.
General manager Dana Brown said that the organization’s relationship with Pressly deteriorated after it, but both sides remained professional. In 59 games as a setup pitcher, he was 2-3 with a 3.49 ERA. He did earn four saves, but he struck out 58 and walked 18 over 56 innings. He explained that part of his reluctance to accept the trade stemmed from the fact that he had moved his family to Houston prior to last season and planned to retire with the Astros.
But the opportunity in Chicago was too great to pass up. The Cubs do not have a closer of Pressly’s experience. He has made 112 career saves. Porter Hodge, last year’s holdover closer, only took over when others failed to complete the task, and he finished with nine saves. Pressly is a 12-year veteran who has appeared in the All-Star Game twice, most recently in 2021. Throughout his career, he was mostly a set-up man. He was traded to the Astros at the deadline in 2018 and stayed there until the COVID-shortened 2020 season, when he moved to closer.
In 2019, he set a record of 40 consecutive appearances without allowing a run. In 2022 and 2023, he recorded 33 and 31 saves, respectively. During the 2022 season, he received All-MLB honors and became the first MLB relief pitcher to contribute to two combined no-hitters, as well as the second pitcher overall. One of those no-hitters appeared in the World Series.
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