Astros trade with Cubs sets up a potential domino effect

The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs made a commerce on Sunday that might have far-reaching ramifications.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Astros are sending reliever Ryan Pressly and money concerns to the Cubs. In alternate, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reported that minor league pitcher Juan Bello will head to the Astros.

That is the second commerce the Cubs and Astros made this offseason. The Cubs acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker in the course of December, sending infielders Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith and pitcher Hayden Wesneski to Houston. 

Pressly had emerged as one of many higher relievers within the sport since becoming a member of the Astros. The 2-time All-Star posted a good 3.49 ERA and a 1.341 WHiP in his 56.2 innings, hanging out 58 batters with 18 walks. Pressly, whose 106 saves are the fifth most because the begin of the 2020 season, is presumed to take over because the Cubs’ nearer in 2025.

This commerce may additionally result in a domino impact. Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that buying and selling Pressly leaves the door open for third baseman Alex Bregman to return to Houston. The Astros six-year, $156M provide is reportedly nonetheless on the desk as Bregman stays a free agent.

Ought to Bregman return to Houston, one other market may open. The Cardinals have been openly attempting to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado in an try to pare down their payroll. Whereas a number of groups reportedly had interest in Arenado, that is still on the again burner whereas Bregman is offered. 

There’s additionally a matter of how a lot of Arenado’s wage the Cardinals could be prepared to choose up; they’re on the hook for $60M of the remaining $72M on his contract.