"Cubs Obtain Right-Handed Pitcher Ryan Pressly from Astros"

The Chicago Cubs obtained right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros on Tuesday.

Pressly, who acted as the Astros\' closer for three of the past four years, waived his no-trade clause to allow the transaction to proceed. The Cubs also received cash considerations in return for minor league right-hander Juan Bello to finalize the agreement.

According to USA Today, The Astros will cover $5.5 million of Pressly\'s $14 million salary for the upcoming season, which is the final year of his contract.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated right-hander Matt Festa for assignment.

By trading Pressly now, Houston opened up some space to potentially re-sign two-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, as reported by USA Today.

Pressly, 36, accumulated 90 saves from 2021 to 2023 and played a key role in the Astros\' 2022 World Series victory as their closer. However, the team later signed Josh Hader to a long-term contract and made him their closer in 2024.

Pressly is expected to take on a similar role in Chicago. In 623 relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins (2013-18) and Astros (2018-24), he recorded a 35-36 record and 112 saves while maintaining a 3.27 ERA. In 2024, he made 59 appearances and had a 2-3 record, four saves, and a 3.49 ERA.

This is the second trade the Cubs have made with the Astros this offseason. They previously acquired power-hitting outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Bello, 20, spent last season with the Cubs\' Class-A affiliate in Myrtle Beach, where he had a 4-5 record and a 3.21 ERA in 22 starts.