The Cubs launched veteran reliever Ryan Pressly over the weekend. Chicago had designated the two-time All-Star for task on deadline day after buying Taylor Rogers. The 36-year-old is now free to discover different alternatives, which may embody a return to both of his earlier groups.
Dan Hayes of The Athletic stories that the Twins have reached out to Pressly’s camp to specific curiosity. In the meantime, USA As we speak’s Bob Nightengale wrote on Sunday that the Astros have been desirous about attempting to re-sign the righty. It’s unclear if the Astros have spoken with Pressly or have been merely weighing the concept internally. In both case, there’s no assure the 13-year massive leaguer continues pitching. Hayes writes that Pressly is contemplating his choices, together with retirement.
The choice wouldn’t be about cash, a minimum of not for the rest of this season. Pressly is assured his $14M wage whether or not or not he indicators elsewhere. The Astros are overlaying $5.5M as a part of the offseason commerce that despatched him to Chicago. The Cubs are on the hook for the opposite $8.5M. If Pressly have been to signal, his new workforce would pay the prorated portion of the $760K league minimal for his time within the majors — which might come off the Cubs’ books. There could possibly be a long-term monetary consideration within the sense that enjoying the ultimate two months may elevate his inventory earlier than a return journey to free company within the offseason.
Earlier than this season, Pressly had divided his MLB profession between Minnesota and Houston. He pitched with the Twins between 2013-18, shifting to Houston on the ’18 deadline. Pressly had been a productive reliever within the Twin Cities, however his profession actually took off with the Astros. He made each All-Star appearances and acquired his first closing alternative in Houston. He made the postseason all seven years with the Astros, successful a hoop in 2022. Pressly recorded 14 saves with a 2.78 ERA in 47 profession playoff appearances.
If he have been to return to one among his former golf equipment, one would think about the Astros are the extra fascinating touchdown spot. They’re three video games up within the AL West race and have an excellent shot to make the playoffs. Minnesota is eight video games beneath .500 and decimated the bullpen on the deadline. They’re enjoying out the string and searching for relievers who can backfill the innings they traded away. Pressly can be a Texas native whose spouse is from the Houston space — which was a consideration for the reliever in deciding whether or not to waive his no-trade clause to go away the Astros within the first place.
That mentioned, a return to the Astros would presumably require pitching in lower-leverage spots. Pressly reportedly wasn’t thrilled with the Astros bumping him from the ninth inning to signal Josh Hader in the course of the 2023-24 offseason. He didn’t drive his means out of Houston — that was a workforce determination motivated by a need to chop payroll — however GM Dana Brown acknowledged in January that the connection between him and Pressly modified after the Hader signing. The Twins, who now have a bullpen comprising virtually fully journeymen and depth pickups, may promise him late-inning work. It’s additionally potential Pressly has fielded calls from different groups that haven’t been reported.
Pressly’s stint with the Cubs was a disappointment. He turned in a 4.35 ERA with a career-low 15% strikeout price. He misplaced his maintain on the nearer position by the center of April. Pressly remained an efficient reliever as not too long ago as final yr, pitching to a 3.49 ERA over 56 2/3 frames with Houston.
