Cubs DFA Pressly after deadline deals, eat remainder of $14M salary
The Chicago Cubs designated former All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly for assignment after acquiring left-hander Taylor Rogers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team announced Thursday.
Pressly is in the final year of his contract and earning $14 million in 2025.
The Cubs acquired Pressly from the Houston Astros in January after he waived his no-trade clause to allow the move.
Pressly was expected to fortify Chicago's bullpen and perhaps even close games for the club this season. Instead, he has struggled to a 4.35 ERA, 5.00 FIP, and 1.52 WHIP, along with a 6.1 K/9 rate and a career-worst 3.7 BB/9.
His struggles allowed Daniel Palencia to establish himself as the Cubs' closer.
Pressly owns a lifetime 3.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP along with 721 strikeouts and 117 saves over parts of 13 big-league seasons between the Cubs, Astros, and Minnesota Twins. He helped the Astros win three AL pennants and the 2022 World Series title during his seven years in Houston.
The Cubs added Rogers and cash considerations from Pittsburgh in exchange for minor-league outfielder Ivan Brethowr. Chicago also acquired reliever Andrew Kittredge and starter Michael Soroka before Thursday's deadline.