The Chicago Cubs are making significant moves this offseason to address their bullpen concerns, which have been a consistent issue in recent years. One of the most notable acquisitions was made with the addition of veteran closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. Pressly, a two-time All-Star with a reputation as one of the most reliable closers in the league, was traded to the Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Juan Bello and a portion of his $14 million salary. This trade signals the Cubs’ commitment to improving their bullpen, which had struggled with blown saves and late-game collapses in the previous season.
Pressly had been a fixture of the Astros’ bullpen for several years, but after the team signed Josh Hader, Pressly found himself demoted from the closer role. While this could be seen as a decline in his value, it provided an opportunity for the Cubs to swoop in and acquire him at a relatively reasonable price. The Cubs are hopeful that Pressly can return to his All-Star form and stabilize their bullpen during high-leverage situations.
The Cubs are also integrating 23-year-old Porter Hodge into their bullpen mix. Hodge is viewed as the future of the Cubs’ late-game pitching, with many predicting that he will eventually assume the closer role once Pressly’s tenure with the team comes to an end. Hodge’s impressive stuff and maturity for his age make him a solid option for the Cubs to develop into a star in the coming seasons.
Pressly’s acquisition is part of a larger plan for the Cubs to win both now and in the future. Alongside Pressly, the Cubs made another key trade by acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays. Paredes, only 25 years old, has had an impressive season in 2025, boasting 16 home runs and a .793 OPS. The trade sent third baseman Christopher Morel and two pitching prospects to the Rays, a move that not only strengthens the Cubs’ defense and lineup but also adds a player who will remain under team control until 2027. This is an important factor as the Cubs look to build a team that can be competitive over several seasons, rather than focusing solely on short-term fixes.
While acquiring a veteran closer like Pressly is certainly a win-now move, the Cubs have also shown an understanding of the need to plan for the future. With Pressly expected to share closing duties with Hodge, the Cubs have made it clear that they are aiming to balance their immediate needs with the development of young talent. This acquisition reflects the team’s broader philosophy of putting together a competitive roster, not only to contend for a championship in 2025 but also to build sustained success in the coming years.
Overall, the Cubs’ decision to bring in Pressly, combined with their other offseason moves, speaks to a team that is serious about competing for a postseason berth in 2025. The bullpen improvements, particularly with a reliable closer like Pressly, could be the difference-maker for a Cubs team that is looking to erase the memory of blown saves and missed opportunities. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Cubs’ bullpen to see if these moves pay off in the postseason race.
