It's official: Cubs trade for standout closer, pitcher DFA'd |
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today acquired right-handed pitcher Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros for right-handed pitcher Juan Bello. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Matt Festa has been designated for assignment. The Cubs 40-man roster currently stands at 40 players.
Pressly, 36, is 35-36 with a 3.27 ERA (236 ER/650.0 IP), 112 saves and 693 strikeouts in 623 career major league games, all in relief with the Minnesota Twins (2013-18) and Houston Astros (2018-24). The right-handed pitcher is a two-time All-Star (2019, 2021) and has recorded at least 30 saves in a season twice, in 2022 and 2023. He has tallied 106 saves since the 2020 season, the fifth-most in the majors, trailing Emmanuel Clase (157), Josh Hader (150), Kenley Jansen (146) and Raisel Iglesias (126). All told, his 111 saves with Houston ranks fourth in club history. The six-foot two-inch Pressly made his major league debut with the Twins in 2013 and went 17-16 with a 3.75 ERA (132 ER/317.0 IP) in 281 games across parts of six seasons with Minnesota, before he was traded to Houston, July 27, 2018 for right-handed pitcher Jorge Alcala and outfielder Gilberto Cilestino. Pressly combined to lead the American League with 77 appearances in 2018, 51 with Minnesota and 26 with Houston, while setting career-best marks in games and strikeouts (101). He ranked fourth among A.L. relievers in strikeouts and eighth in ERA (2.54) that season. Pressly was named to his first career A.L. All-Star team in 2019, going 2-3 with a 2.32 ERA (14 ER/54.1 IP) and three saves in 55 appearances. He was tied for the A.L. lead in holds (31), while finishing sixth in WHIP (0.88). The righthander posted the longest scoreless appearance streak in MLB history from Aug. 15, 2018-May 24, 2019, spanning 40 games, surpassing Craig Kimbrel’s 38-game run in 2011. The streak spanned 39.0 innings, marking a new franchise record. Pressly was inserted into the closer role in 2020 and notched 12 saves, tied for third-most in the A.L. In 2021, the righthander posted a career-best 2.25 ERA (16 ER/65.0 IP) and 26 saves, en route to his second career All-Star appearance. He became the first Astros reliever to be selected to multiple All-Star Games since Billy Wagner. In 2022, Pressly tallied a career-high 33 saves and followed that with 31 in 2023. He became the first Astros pitcher with 30-plus saves in consecutive seasons since Brad Lidge in 2005-06. In the 2022 postseason, Pressly led all players with six saves, tied for the second-most in a single postseason in MLB history, and did not allow a run in 11.0 innings. He clinched the World Series championship for Houston with a seven-pitch ninth inning in Game 6 against Philadelphia. The right-hander has appeared in 47 career playoff games, going 3-1 with a 2.78 ERA (14 ER/45.1 IP). He has converted each of his 14 save opportunities, tied for the longest streak of converted saves to begin a postseason career since the stat became official in 1969. His 14 saves are the fifth-most in major league playoff history. A native of Dallas, Pressly was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round of the 2007 draft. He attended Carrollton American Heritage Academy (Texas) and Marcus High School (Texas). He was committed to Texas Tech prior to signing with the Red Sox. Bello, 20, is 4-8 with a 3.66 ERA (51 ER/125.1 IP) in 35 career minor league games (33 starts) with the Cubs. Today, the #Astros acquired RHP Juan Bello from the Chicago Cubs. Festa, 31, was acquired by Chicago from Texas Jan. 9 for cash considerations. In 108 career major league games (one start), he is 8-3 with a 4.60 ERA (60 ER/117.1 IP) and two saves. The #Cubs today acquired RHP Ryan Pressly from the Astros for RHP Juan Bello. To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Matt Festa has been designated for assignment. Matt Festa is an interesting arm and if I had to guess I'd say that the Cubs are hoping he makes it through waivers and stays in the organization. Far more valuable right now if off 40-man. We'll see if that happens.
Bello posted a 3.21 ERA with 91 strikeouts in 89.2 innings last year at Single-A Myrtle Beach. pic.twitter.com/MwIdK89kaB
Welcome to Chicago, Ryan! pic.twitter.com/58FSMz5yCe
