Astros and Cubs Finalize Trade Sending Ryan Pressly to Chicago

The Astros clear payroll space for a potential Alex Bregman return while the Cubs acquire a veteran closer in a deal involving multiple players.

The Houston Astros have tentatively agreed to trade reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, contingent on medical clearance.
Pressly waived his no-trade clause after being promised a bonus to offset tax differences and a new full no-trade clause with the Cubs.
The trade sends Pressly and Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith, Juan Bello, and Hayden Wesneski, signaling a strategic roster shift for the Astros.
The Astros aim to use the payroll freed from Pressly's $14 million contract to re-sign free agent Alex Bregman, who has shown renewed interest in returning to Houston.
If Bregman rejoins, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is prepared to move to left field to accommodate Paredes at second base, highlighting team adjustments to retain key players.