Houston, we’ve got too many relievers.
The Astros are considering trading away their former close and two-time All-Star Ryan Pressly, The Athletic reported Wednesday.
Pressly, who will be 36 when the 2025 MLB season opens, was uber-dependable as the Astros’ closer from 2020-23 — appearing in 202 games, pitching 198 2/3 innings and accumulating 102 saves.
But closing duties in Houston now belong to Josh Hader, the five-time All Star who is signed with the Astros through 2028.
Houston is an estimated $10 million below the first luxury tax threshold, and clearing Pressly’s $14 million off the books would buy a bit more wiggle room as the franchise looks to address other needs, like re-signing Alex Bregman.
The ball, though, is in Pressly’s glove. His contract contains a full no-trade clause, meaning he could veto any potential deal.
But the opportunity to become a closer again may appeal to the 2022 World Series champion.
Pressly was especially elite during that post-season run, earning six saves on six attempts (becoming only the 16th reliever in baseball history to accumulate six saves in one postseason) and surrendering no earned runs.
But his numbers dipped after being demoted to the setup role with Hader’s acquisition.
Across 59 appearances, Pressly had four saves and eight blown saves — giving up 58 hits and 22 earned runs in 56 2/3 innings.
And, as the Athletic reports, his 9.2 hits per nine innings were his most in any 162-game season since 2016.
Pressly’s dismal showing in Game 2 of the Astros’ Wild Card Series against the Tigers — he gave up three runs in the eighth inning — may have sealed his fate.
Though he’s no longer the caliber of pitcher who helped the Astros win their last championship, the reliever would likely draw interest from plenty of teams.
And Astros’ brass seemingly will have no reservations inquiring about his worth.
“If we can use a major-league piece to get two pieces that will help us solve problems, I would welcome that if that deal shows up,” general manager Dana Brown said at the MLB GM Meetings on Wednesday.
