Cubs Finalizing Trade for Closer Ryan Pressly

After Tanner Scott signed with Dodgers, the Cubs started to focus on the trade market as the most realistic means of trading for a reliever. Reports of a Ryan Pressly deal surfaced on Thursday, with several outlets reporting the interest throughout the evening. After several days of haggling/recruiting, Jeff Passan was first with the news that Pressly would waive his no-trade clause and the deal is done pending physicals.

Sources have confirmed to CI that the deal is happening, with Pressly waiving his NTC to pitch in Chicago. He had told the Astros that he was disinclined to pitch in either the East or West, and the Cubs emerged as the favorites after the Tigers were ruled out. The deal was reportedly contingent on Pressly being guaranteed the closer role after having been displaced by Josh Hader last year in Houston.

Pressly appeared in 59 games for the Astros last season, posting a 3.49 ERA with 58 strikeouts. You can read more about his pitch mix in the article linked above, but the nutshell version is that he’s got a 93 mph fastball with the ability to spin several secondaries at above-average velocities. He’s also got loads of postseason experience, which is very attractive to a team that absolutely much reach the playoffs this year.

Pressly’s $14 million salary is one of the reasons Houston was interested in trading him, and the Astros will be covering some of that money. That’s another reason the Cubs found him attractive, particularly given the high cost of free-agent pitching. Chandler Rome confirmed that the Astros will pay down salary and will receive at least one prospect in return.

Update: CI has learned that 20-year-old righty Juan Bello is the return. He started 22 games at Low-A Myrtle Beach with a 3.21 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 89.2 innings.

Update #2: Per Jon Heyman, Pressly will have his NTC reinstated once the deal is finalized. He will also receive an assignment bonus to cover the difference in income tax difference between Texas and Illinois.