CHICAGO — On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs made a significant move by trading for right-handed pitcher Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, with cash considerations included in the deal. The Cubs sent minor league pitcher Juan Bello to Houston in exchange.
With the Cubs aiming to secure their spot in the postseason for the first time since 2020, Pressly is anticipated to take on the closer role. Last season, he recorded a 3.49 ERA over 59 appearances while serving as a setup pitcher alongside Josh Hader.
Juan Bello, a 20-year-old prospect, had a mixed performance with a 4-5 record and a 3.21 ERA over 22 games for Class A Myrtle Beach last year. Throughout his minor league career, he has shown flashes of potential with a 4-8 record and a 3.66 ERA in 35 appearances.
In addition to acquiring Pressly, the Cubs also announced they signed infielder Jon Berti to a one-year contract worth $2 million, potentially increasing to $3.3 million with performance incentives. Berti, who celebrated his 35th birthday recently, missed a considerable part of the last season due to a calf strain and contributed a .273 batting average, one home run, and six RBIs in 25 games with the New York Yankees.
To accommodate these new additions on their 40-man roster, the Cubs designated right-hander Matt Festa and infielder Luis Vázquez for assignment. Festa, 31, was obtained from Texas earlier this year, while Vázquez made his MLB debut in May at age 25.
The acquisition of Pressly marks the second substantial trade this offseason between the Cubs and Astros, following the addition of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in December. Pressly waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the move to Chicago, leveraging his extensive tenure in the majors, which includes six-plus seasons in Houston.
Following a season in which the Cubs finished 83-79, placing second in the NL Central for the second consecutive year, they have been actively seeking bullpen reinforcement. Although they were in talks for Tanner Scott, he ended up signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cubs are set to cover $8.5 million of Pressly’s $14 million salary in the concluding year of his contract. This trade also opens up financial options for Houston as they might consider re-signing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman or exploring upgrades in their outfield.
Pressly’s move follows Hader becoming the Astros’ new closer after signing a large contract last January. Last season, Hader achieved a 3.80 ERA and amassed 34 saves in 71 appearances, aiding Houston in clinching the AL West for the seventh time in eight seasons.
In the aftermath of Pressly’s exit, Bryan Abreu and Tayler Scott are expected to assume more crucial responsibilities in Houston’s bullpen.
Ryan Pressly, 36, began his major league career with Minnesota in 2013, spending over five seasons with the Twins before being traded to the Astros in mid-2018. He gained recognition in Houston, becoming recognized as one of the most effective relievers in baseball, with notable achievements including a streak of 40 games without allowing a run from August 2018 to May 2019.
A vital player in Houston’s 2022 World Series title run, Pressly finished the season with a personal best of 33 saves and a 2.98 ERA during the regular season. His postseason performance was also impressive, as he secured six saves while allowing just one unearned run and four hits across 11 innings.
In his career, Pressly boasts a record of 35-36 with a 3.27 ERA and a remarkable 112 saves over 623 major league games, accumulating 693 strikeouts against 190 walks in 650 innings of work.
Jon Berti entered the major league scene with Toronto in 2018 and has established himself as a utility player, holding a .259 batting average with 24 home runs, 126 RBIs, and 97 stolen bases across 461 games, including five years with Miami.
