The Astros are one step closer to getting Alex Bregman amid clearing their $14 million roadblock! Well, the roadblock is the trade stalemate involving Ryan Pressly, the Astros warrior from their golden era. The Astros were desperate to trade Pressly, while Pressly was skeptical about waiving his no-trade clause causing a stalemate. However, Pressly waived his no-trade clause now amid the interest from the Cubs in getting him, which opened a new door of opportunity for the Astros. 

It is all known that getting Bregman will pose a financial challenge for the Astros considering his steep price tag and it will be necessary for the Astros to make a space for that. Moreover, with Bregman in mind, the Astros needed to clear their payroll to avoid the luxury tax threshold in 2025 and to make financial scope for Bregman. The first step towards it is trading Pressly to clear off his final year contract worth $14 million. However, will it benefit in Bregman sweepstakes?

Payroll challenges for the Astros 

The luxury tax threshold is an increasing concern for the teams to go aggressive in the trading process and the Astros are on the verge of crossing the maximum limit. For the unversed, the Astros were all over the threshold limit of $237 million for 2025, but by trading off Pressly to the Cubs, they have saved a space of $14 million. Yes, a small space was created to accommodate any further signings with minimum impact on the luxury tax. Well, it can be assumed that a big-ticket signing is targeted by the Astros. Nevertheless, fans have every reason to get excited about the prospect of it. 

“Pressly, a titan of the Astros’ golden era, had a 2.78 ERA in 45.1 postseason innings and got the final out of the 2022 World Series”, said MLB insider Chandler Rome. This shows the importance of Pressly for the Astros but his utility was in diminishing trend. How?

His nine-inning duties got taken over by Josh Hader and Pressly is now more in a setup role since last year. Yes, Pressly is now 35 and might well be past his prime. However, it is his postseason runs that keep the suitors interested in him. Enough value addition for the Cubs?

Well, Pressly was willing to waive his no-trade clause only if he attained a closer role and the Cubs did that. They need a closer and have the money after trading Cody Bellinger. So a mutual match between the Cubs and Pressly has presented itself. It comes at the right time for the Astros. Reportedly, the trading of Pressly to the Cubs is all done and is pending medical review. Trading Pressly is now letting the Astros get a cushion in absorbing some of the financial stress coming with big-ticket signings. Possibly Alex Bregman! 

Bregman reunion looks possible amid Pressly trade

It is already known that the Astros have reentered the Bregman sweepstakes and two of their major positive factors are Altuve’s willingness to let go of his position for Bregman and trading Pressly to the Cubs. Enough scope for Bregman to get into the team! With Bregman still in free agency, chances of gradually striking a deal remain intact. However, the fans need to be very clear about the choice of Bregman being the most important factor here. Yes, with all the moves initiated by the Astros, it is now up to Bregman to take the decisive call. 

Bregman has a few tempting offers on the table. Recent reports indicate that the Astros and the Red Sox have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature. Hence, Ryan Pressly’s trading is just another shot on the Astros’ cap to accommodate Bregman but the reunion has yet to materialize. Fans need to be patient enough to know what’s cooking between the Astros and Bregman. They can be hopeful that no major roadblocks are visible between the two parties. 

With Pressly gone to the Cubs and hopefully getting a closer job there, the wait for the Astros is getting longer for their prized possession. Spring season is about to start and an immediate closure is what the fans are asking for. 

What do you think about Ryan Pressly being traded to the Cubs amid Bregman’s possibility? Share your thoughts below.