The Houston Astros made a couple of trades on deadline day, but none involving the team’s bullpen or starting rotation. However, they did reunite with Carlos Correa in a heartwarming deal. But another reunion might be on the horizon.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, after the Chicago Cubs released veteran reliever Ryan Pressly, the team is reportedly considering another reunion with a postseason hero during the 2025 season.
“The Astros are weighing the possibility of bringing back reliever Ryan Pressly after he was released by the Chicago Cubs.” Nightengale writes.
Houston already has a strong bullpen, led by Josh Hader and his 2.17 ERA, 74 strikeouts, and 28 saves in 49.2 innings. Bryan Abreu, who has 76 strikeouts and a 1.82 ERA in 49.1 innings, along with a few other reliever options, round out the third-best bullpen in baseball.
But that doesn’t mean that they can’t add. The San Diego Padres, who have the best bullpen in baseball, swung a massive blockbuster for Mason Miller to further bolster their bullpen. Houston could do something similar with Pressly.
There is one major difference, however: Pressly hasn’t been at his best this season. Across his 41.1 innings of work, he has five saves, a 4.35 ERA, just 28 strikeouts, and 17 walks. His 88 ERA+ is the worst of his career, and the first time he’s below league-average since 2017.
But, in the seven seasons he spent in Houston, Pressly had a 151 ERA+ and had a remarkable 2.78 postseason ERA in his 47 postseason appearances for Houston across the years.
The 36-year-old has been one of the top relievers in baseball during his career, but has taken a big step back since joining the Cubs, and could be nearing the end of his career.
But, Houston could take a chance on him, hoping a reunion could spark the former great reliever to improve the bullpen amid the Astros’ World Series aspirations this season.
As Nightengale reports, the Astros are considering such a move, which could be the second veteran to reunite with the Astros this season.
