The story of Ryan Pressley and the Astros is over.
They're trading a talented reliever to the Cubs, Confirmed by Jon Heyman of the Post.after he agreed to waive his no-trade clause.
He will receive a quota bonus to cover the tax difference and a full no-trade clause.
Houston also plans to send money to Chicago to cover his $14 million salary. According to ESPN.
Heyman previously reported that the Astros asked Pressley on Friday to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal with the Cubs, but Pressley is leaving Houston, where his family lives year-round. He was very reluctant.
Two days later, he seemed convinced.
This trade marks the second major deal between the Astros and Cubs this offseason.
Notably, the Cubs acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker last month, sending Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith to the Astros in exchange.
Pressley, 36, lost his closer role last year when the Astros signed Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract last offseason.
As a result, Presley was relegated to the role of setup man, posting a 3.49 ERA in 59 games.
Over six years with the Astros, Pressley had a 2.81 ERA, 111 saves, and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
He was named to two All-Star teams in 2019 and 2021 and was an integral part of the Astros' World Series victory in 2022.
Before joining Houston, Pressley spent over six years with the Twins, posting a 3.75 ERA.
He is expected to return to his role as the Cubs' closer, where he made 26 saves as a team last year.
The Cubs also signed Eli Morgan, Cody Poteet, Matt Festa, Caleb Thielver and Rob Zastrizny to the bullpen this offseason.
Adbert Alzolay struggled as the Cubs' closer last year, but was injured and ultimately required Tommy John surgery before signing with the Mets on Friday.
Porter Hodge finished last season as the team's closer and is still on the roster, but Pressley offers far more experience and far more work.
