Ryan Pressly's Potential Cubs Trade Hinges on No-Trade Clause Decision

The Astros seek to trade the veteran reliever to Chicago, but Pressly's approval remains the final obstacle.

The Houston Astros have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to trade reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, pending his approval due to a full no-trade clause.
Pressly, 36, has expressed reluctance to leave Houston, where his family resides year-round, but may find the opportunity to return to a closer role with the Cubs appealing.
The Astros are motivated to move Pressly to free up $14 million in salary, potentially aiding their efforts to re-sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
Pressly's performance has seen a decline in recent years, including a drop in strikeout rates and a demotion to a setup role in 2024 after the Astros signed Josh Hader as their closer.
Fans and media have speculated about Pressly's connection to the Cubs, fueled by the coincidental name of his dog, Wrigley, which shares the name of the Cubs' iconic ballpark.