Cubs’ Ryan Pressly trade may have given Blue Jays opportunity to pursue bullpen target

One of the Blue Jays' recent targets this offseason has been Carlos Estévez, who has also generated interest from multiple teams this offseason. That includes the Chicago Cubs; Estévez was rumored to be a pivot option for both Toronto and Chicago after both losing the battle for Tanner Scott, who ultimately signed with the Dodgers.

Instead of waiting it out for Estévez, the Cubs decided to get aggressive and acquired Ryan Pressly from the Astros. Although it is possible that they will still be in the running for the ex-Phillies closer, it certainly seems less likely now that they have secured Pressly, who will serve as their closer (as stipulated in the trade).

With Chicago likely out of the running for the All-Star reliever, this gives Toronto a better chance to land him in free agency. The Blue Jays have made multiple moves to upgrade their bullpen, and this would be the cherry on top for that group. The bullpen was an issue last season, and it is very reassuring to see the front office prioritize upgrading it.

Blue Jays have a better chance at Carlos Estévez now that the Cubs acquired Ryan Pressly.

Now, the Jays don't stand alone just yet in this race.Another team that is reportedly in on Estévez is the Reds, and they have been oddly quiet in recent weeks after adding Gavin Lux and Brady Singer. The Reds could soon get aggressive for him, similarly to how the Cubs quickly finalized the Pressly deal after a month of inaction.

Nonetheless, the Cubs felt like a bigger threat than the Reds all along. The time from now until spring training is ticking away, so Toronto may really start to make that final push for him now.

Last season, Estévez posted an ERA of 2.45 with an FIP of 3.24 across 55 innings, striking 50 batters. Opponents batted just .191 against him and he walked hitters at a 5.7% clip to create a WHIP of 0.91. Those numbers would be excellent in the Blue Jays bullpen if he can do that again in 2025.

Adding Estévez would be great for Toronto and their chances just increased after the Cubs acquired Pressly. Time will tell regarding whether they can finalize a deal for the right-hander, but things are looking better than ever for the two sides.