The Houston Astros are reportedly waiting for one of their All-Stars to approve a trade to the Chicago Cubs before the deal can be finalized. Ryan Pressly, who has spent over five years with the Astros and more than 10 years in Major League Baseball, has the right to veto any trade. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Astros have asked the two-time All-Star if he will approve a move to the Cubs.
Pressly, who has expressed his preference to stay in Houston, where he and his family reside year-round, may find the Cubs and a potential return to closing appealing. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the trade was nearly complete, though subsequent reports indicated that other teams are still in the mix, pending Pressly’s approval. The only barrier to the trade is Pressly himself. This follows the Cubs’ recent failure to land Tanner Scott, who rejected their four-year, $66 million offer in favor of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs quickly pivoted to other options to bolster their bullpen for 2025.
Pressly, 36, is entering the final year of a three-year, $42 million contract. After spending several seasons as the Astros’ primary closer, he worked mainly as a setup man for Josh Hader in 2024, finishing with a 3.49 ERA and a 2-3 record in 59 appearances. The Astros are reportedly seeking salary relief, so any trade with the Cubs is expected to involve either a minor league player or cash considerations.
If the deal happens, it will be the second bullpen upgrade for the Cubs this offseason, following their acquisition of Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians in November. Pressly, a two-time American League All-Star (2019 and 2021), played a key role in the Astros’ 2022 World Series win, recording two saves in the Fall Classic against the Phillies.