Cubs find their closer, complete Ryan Pressly trade with Houston Astros

The heavily rumored trade that would send Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly is approaching the finish line.

News first broke on Friday night that the Cubs and Astros agreed to a framework of a deal that would send Pressly to the Cubs. Pressly, entering the final year of his contract, holds a no-trade clause and expressed some desire to remain in Houston. The desire to remain with the Astros must have subsided as Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that the Cubs will indeed be acquiring Pressly.

Cubs find their closer in trade with Houston Astros.

After an offseason where the Cubs improved their offense in a major way with the trade for Kyle Tucker last month, the biggest question remaining for the team was how they address the need at the backend of their bullpen. Pressly checks that box.

Pressly has recorded 112 saves over the course of his career, including consecutive 30+-save seasons in 2022 and 2023. While Pressly did not closr for the Astros last season due to their signing of Josh Hader, the veteran is expected to be the Cubs' closer to open the season.

In recent days, the Cubs have been linked to veteran relief pitchers David Robertson and Ryne Stanek. According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the decision to acquire Pressly does not prevent the Cubs from adding another veteran to the bullpen. With Pressly likely serving as the closer, if the Cubs add Robertson or Stanek, that would be an impressive turnaround for the bullpen considering where it was during the early portions of the 2024 season.

Jacob Zanolla of Cubs insider reports that the Cubs are sending pitching prospect Juan Bello to the Astros.

In 22 starts with the Cubs' Class-A affiliate last season, Bello posted a 3.21 ERA while striking out just over 25% of the batters he faced.

There are some concerns with Pressly, who saw a dip in velocity last season by nearly 1 mph. In addition, Pressly's strikeout percentage was down while his walk percentage saw an uptick. Pressly may not be the surefire closer that he once was for the Astros but there is reason to believe the Cubs' pitching infrastructure can get him back on track. It's risk worth taking for the Cubs considering the Astros are also kicking in money and it was an inconsequential prospect being sent to Houston.