Astros reliever getting 'extensively shopped' should be a no-brainer trade target for the Blue Jays

The annual MLB Winter Meetings can get very crazy with rumors, but this recent one on the Houston Astros could be something the Blue Jays monitor. This specific rumor is from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, who reported that Astros closer Ryan Pressly is being 'extensively shopped'.

At the moment, the Blue Jays are lacking high-leverage relievers and Pressly has been a consistently solid closer throughout his career. He took a step back in 2024, primarily being used as a setup man to Josh Hader, but did regress. He is 35 years old, but could definitely be a top arm in Toronto's bullpen in 2025.

Blue Jays should target 'extensively shopped' reliever, Ryan Pressly, from Astros at MLB Winter Meetings.

Chad Green could be the closer again for Toronto in 2025, but Pressly would be another intriguing option that'd be high up on the depth chart at the position. Whichever pitcher isn't the club's primary closer would be the most relied-upon setup option. Although the Blue Jays must add another left-hander for the bullpen, they should not miss out on an attempt to acquiring Pressly.

Last season, the veteran reliever posted an earned run average of 3.49 across 56.2 innings and struck out 58 batters. Opposing hitters batted .259 to go along with a walk rate of 7.4%. This produced a WHIP of 1.34. Additionally, he had a solid FIP of 3.10.

Opponents getting the amount of hits that they did is a concern, but statcast indicates that it should have been lower. His expected batting average to his opponents was at .244. A few other positives to take away from statcast metrics are his really high chase rate of 31.5% and his groundball rate of 50.9%. Both are ranked above the 80th percentile across the league.

The price of Pressly is a little expensive at $14 million, but the Blue Jays offering Soto a contract proves that they are very willing to spending money this offseason. Aside from the money he will be owed, for Toronto to acquire him, it would likely take a player that is MLB ready, but cheap as they are looking to clear payroll. Since the Astros will most likely need a replacement at third base for Alex Bregman, perhaps Addison Barger could be of interest to them in trade talks with Toronto.

Pressly is still a great reliever despite his age and the Blue Jays would be wise to jump into the trade talks. If he prevents baserunners like he did prior to 2024, then he could return to his elite reliever status. Let's see if the Blue Jays can work their trade magic with the Astros like they did at the MLB Trade Deadline.