CHICAGO — After some negotiations, the Chicago Cubs have finalized a deal to acquire right-handed pitcher from the Houston Astros.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the trade sends Pressly and $5.5 million in cash to the Cubs in exchange for 20-year-old right-hander Juan Bello. The agreement is pending a review of medical records, and Pressly, 36, agreed to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the move.
Pressly, who lost his closer role in Houston following the signing of free agent Josh Hader last offseason, posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts over 56 ⅔ innings in 2024. Previously, he served as the Astros’ primary closer from 2021-23, a stretch that included securing the final out of the 2022 World Series.
Bello, a promising young pitcher, made 22 starts in A-ball last season, recording a 3.21 ERA and a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. FanGraphs analyst Eric Longenhagen recently ranked Bello as the Astros’ 31st-best prospect, noting his potential to develop into a depth starter if he can refine his secondary pitches.
Pressly, who will earn $14 million in 2025 before becoming a free agent, provides the Cubs with a veteran presence in the bullpen. For the Astros, the trade could be a cost-cutting move or a precursor to another transaction, possibly aimed at re-signing Alex Bregman.
