Astros Push Ryan Pressly To Waive No-Trade Clause For Two Teams

The Houston Astros have formally requested veteran reliever Ryan Pressly to waive his no-trade clause for potential trades with the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers.

However, Pressly has already declined a move to Detroit, leaving the Cubs as the only viable destination. According to multiple reports, including The Athletic, the Astros are "doing whatever they can" to facilitate a deal.

Pressly’s 10-and-5 rights give him full control over his trade status, and his family’s deep ties to Houston complicate the situation. "It’s not out of the question that he and his family simply prefer to stay there," noted Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

If this is it for Ryan Pressly in an #Astros uniform, it was a hell of a run.

Over 6.5 seasons in Houston, Pressly had a 2.81 ERA with 411 K in 333 innings and picked up 111 saves.

He also had a 2.78 ERA with 14 saves in the postseason, which is the 5th most postseason saves in… pic.twitter.com/DpJqjFewd1
— Astros Future (@AstrosFuture) January 25, 2025

Pressly, 36, has been a key part of Houston’s bullpen since his acquisition in 2018. Last season, he transitioned to a setup role after the Astros signed Josh Hader but still delivered strong numbers with a 3.49 ERA, 58 strikeouts, and 25 holds over 56.2 innings.

Entering the final year of his contract with a $14 million salary, the Astros are motivated to move him to create financial flexibility, potentially for a reunion with free agent Alex Bregman.

The Cubs have expressed confidence in resolving any hurdles to secure Pressly, with Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reporting that they view him as a "critical addition" to their bullpen.

Nothing confirmed as of now but if this is it for Ryan Pressly thanks for all you have done in an Astros uniform pic.twitter.com/RRchTca9v5
— Astros Muse (@MuseAstros) January 24, 2025