Toronto, ON – In a stunning move that has shaken up the baseball world, the Toronto Blue Jays have acquired right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros in a monumental deal. Pressly, known for his dominance out of the bullpen, will join the Blue Jays on a three-year, $86.7 million contract, marking one of the biggest free-agent signings of the off-season.
The move comes as the Blue Jays continue to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the 2025 MLB season. With a roster that already includes a talented group of hitters, Toronto has set its sights on building a more formidable bullpen to contend in the American League East, one of the toughest divisions in baseball. Pressly’s acquisition is a clear indication that the Blue Jays are all-in on making a deep playoff run next year and beyond.
A Premier Reliever
Ryan Pressly, 35, has been one of the most effective and reliable closers in Major League Baseball over the past few seasons. After being traded to the Astros in 2018, Pressly established himself as a key piece of their bullpen, earning two All-Star selections and contributing significantly to Houston’s World Series victories in 2017 and 2022.
Pressly’s fastball-slider combination has been his bread and butter, and his ability to consistently generate swings and misses has made him one of the top strikeout relievers in the game. In 2024, Pressly posted a 2.35 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 76 innings, earning 37 saves while helping the Astros to another ALCS appearance. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, especially in the postseason, was a major factor in the Blue Jays’ decision to pursue him.
With a career ERA of 3.05 and a WHIP of 1.06, Pressly brings experience and reliability to a Blue Jays bullpen that has had its ups and downs in recent years. Toronto fans are excited about the prospect of a consistent closer in the back end of the bullpen, something the team has lacked in previous seasons.
Why the Blue Jays Made the Move
The Blue Jays have long been considered a playoff contender, but their inability to close out games in 2024 ultimately led to an early exit from the postseason. While the offense, led by stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, has been prolific, the bullpen has often faltered under pressure. Adding Pressly shores up that weakness and gives the Blue Jays a legitimate late-inning option to match the elite teams in the AL.
General Manager Ross Atkins made it clear that improving the bullpen was a top priority for the team heading into the offseason. “Ryan is one of the best in the business. His track record of success in high-leverage situations speaks for itself,” Atkins said in a statement. “We believe he’ll be a key piece of our team for the next few years, and we’re thrilled to have him on board as we continue to build a championship-caliber roster.”
The Blue Jays’ bullpen was ranked 15th in MLB in 2024 in terms of ERA, with a few key spots of inconsistency. With Pressly now anchoring the back end of the pen, the hope is that the rest of the relievers will be able to thrive in lower-leverage situations, which will only improve the overall depth and strength of the team.
The Astros’ Side of the Deal
For the Houston Astros, the decision to part ways with Pressly is a surprising one, given his status as a cornerstone of their bullpen. However, with Houston’s payroll tightening and a need to focus on other areas of the roster, the Astros decided to move on from the veteran closer in exchange for the significant financial return.
The Astros will receive a mixture of top prospects in the deal, including two pitching prospects and an outfielder, all of whom have the potential to impact the team’s future. Houston’s front office has long been known for its ability to develop young talent, and this trade is another example of their commitment to building a sustainable contender for the years to come.
In his departure, Astros General Manager Dana Brown expressed appreciation for Pressly’s years of service. “Ryan has been a fantastic part of our bullpen, and his leadership and performances in big moments will be missed. We wish him nothing but the best as he moves on to Toronto,” Brown said.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Blue Jays gear up for the 2025 season, the acquisition of Ryan Pressly is one of several moves aimed at ensuring they can compete at the highest level. The team still has work to do, especially with regard to its starting rotation, but adding Pressly significantly improves their chances of not only securing a playoff spot but making a serious push for the World Series title.
Pressly, for his part, seems excited for the new challenge. “I’m thrilled to be a Blue Jay. Toronto is a passionate baseball city, and I’m looking forward to helping this team win,” Pressly said in his first interview after the deal was announced. “I’ve had great years with the Astros, but I’m focused on bringing my best to this new chapter.”
With Pressly in the fold, the Blue Jays are now seen as one of the most well-rounded teams in the AL, poised to make a deep run in 2025.
Leave a Reply