Houston has too many relief pitchers.
The Astros are considering trading away former closing star and two-time All-Star Ryan Pressley. The Athletic It was reported on Wednesday.
Pressley, who will be 36 when the 2025 MLB season begins, was a highly reliable closer for the Astros from 2020 to 2023, appearing in 202 games, pitching 198 2/3 innings and accumulating 102 saves.
But closing duties in Houston are currently handled by Josh Hader, a five-time All-Star who is under contract with the Astros through 2028.
Houston is estimated to be $10 million below the first luxury tax threshold, and clearing Pressley's $14 million off the books would come as the franchise looks to address other needs, such as re-signing Alex Bregman. There will be a little more leeway.
But the ball is in Presley's glove. His contract includes a complete no-trade clause, meaning he can veto any potential deal.
The chance to be the closer again could be appealing to the 2022 World Series champion.
Presley was especially elite during the postseason, recording six saves in six innings pitched (making him the 16th relief pitcher in baseball history to accumulate six saves in a single postseason innings) and not allowing an earned run.
However, his numbers dropped after he was demoted to a setup role with the acquisition of Hader.
Presley appeared in 59 games, recording four saves and eight batting saves, allowing 58 hits and 22 earned runs in 56 2/3 innings.
And, as The Athletic reports, his 9.2 hits per nine innings were the most in a 162-game season since 2016.
Pressley's dismal performance (three runs allowed in eight innings) in the second game of the Astros' wild-card series against the Tigers may have sealed his fate.
Although he no longer has the pitching qualities that helped the Astros win last time, the relief pitcher will likely attract interest from many teams.
And Astros leaders don't seem to have any qualms about this. his worth.
“If we can use Major League Baseball production to get two pieces that help solve a problem, we would welcome it if that deal were to happen,” the general manager said. Dana Brown said At Wednesday's MLBGM meeting.
