Astros to Cubs …”>Ryan Pressly Joins the Cubs: What It Means for Both Teams
Table of Contents
Hey ther! Let’s dive into some exciting baseball news. Ryan Pressly, a seasoned pitcher, is making a move from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs. This trade is still waiting on some final health checks, but it’s already creating quite a buzz.The Astros will receive a promising young pitcher, Juan Bello, and some cash to help the Cubs with Pressly’s hefty $14 million salary for 2025.
Pressly’s Journey and What He brings
Ryan Pressly, who’s turning 36 soon, has been a key player for the Astros sence they picked him up from the Minnesota Twins back in 2018. Over his time with Houston, he’s maintained an notable 2.81 ERA and has been a reliable force in the bullpen. He even shined in the playoffs with a 2.78 ERA. Initially, he was the setup guy but took on the closer role from 2020 to 2023.though, with Josh Hader joining the Astros last winter, Pressly moved back to being a setup man.
Why the Astros Made this Move
The Astros are doing some financial juggling this offseason.With their payroll expected to hit $217.6 million and a luxury tax number of $236.3 million in 2025, they’re trying to make some room. Pressly’s salary, which kicked in after he made a bunch of appearances over the last two seasons, was a bit too much for their budget.
This trade follows another big one where the Astros sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs for a few players, including Isaac Paredes and Hayden wesneski. The money saved from these deals helped them sign Christian walker to a three-year,$60 million contract.There’s also some chatter about possibly bringing back free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, but Astros GM Dana Brown thinks that’s a long shot.
what This means for the Cubs
For the Cubs, adding Pressly is a big win for their bullpen. They had some injury troubles last season, so they’ve been careful about spending too much on relief pitchers. Pressly’s experience and skills make him a likely candidate to be their main closer. This move will shift other pitchers, like rookie Porter Hodge, to different roles, but Hodge will still get his chances in crucial game situations.
The Cubs have also brought in Eli Morgan and Caleb thielbar to strengthen their bullpen. They were considering tanner Scott but decided Pressly was the better fit. He’ll be a free agent after the 2025 season, so they’re hoping he makes a big impact meanwhile.
Meet Juan Bello: A rising Star
Juan Bello, the young pitcher heading to the Astros, is definitely someone to watch. At just 20 years old, he’s already made a name for himself in the Cubs’ minor league system. Last year, he had a solid 3.21 ERA and showed he can strike out batters effectively. His mix of four different pitches fits well with the Astros’ focus on developing versatile pitchers.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With Pressly gone, the Astros will need to fill that gap in their bullpen. They might look for cheaper options or make a bigger move if Bregman doesn’t return. They’ve got a few setup options like Bryan Abreu and Tayler Scott to consider.
As for the Cubs, Pressly’s addition is part of a larger plan to boost their bullpen. They’re still open to bringing in more talent, showing they’re serious about strengthening their team.
In short, this trade is shaking things up for both the Cubs and Astros. It’s all about balancing finances and building stronger teams as they gear up for the 2025 season. What do you think about these moves? Feel free to share your thoughts!
FAQ: Ryan Pressly Joins the Cubs: What It Means for Both Teams
1. Why did the Astros trade Ryan Pressly to the Cubs?
The astros traded Ryan Pressly as part of a financial strategy to manage their payroll, which is projected to reach $217.6 million with a luxury tax number of $236.3 million in 2025.By trading Pressly, they are freeing up salary space to pursue other roster moves and potential signings.
2. How does Ryan Pressly’s addition benefit the Cubs?
Adding Ryan Pressly is a meaningful enhancement to the Cubs’ bullpen, especially after facing injuries in the previous season. Pressly’s experience and track record make him the leading candidate for the Cubs’ closer role, which helps in solidifying their relief pitching and overall team strength.
3. Who is Juan Bello, and why is he significant to the Astros?
Juan Bello is a 20-year-old promising pitcher acquired by the Astros in the trade for Ryan Pressly. Known for his solid 3.21 ERA in the Cubs’ minor league system and his ability to strike out batters, Bello is a versatile pitcher who aligns well with the Astros’ focus on developing young, adaptable talent for their roster.
