The relief market is heating up and the Cincinnati Reds are rumored to be in active talks with one of the top arms remaining on the market. Carlos Estévez has been linked to Cincinnati for a couple of weeks now, and reports emerged earlier this week suggesting the Reds were in negotiations with the former Los Angeles Angeles closer.
But Cincinnati isn't the only team looking to secure Estévez's services. In addition to the Reds, 60% of the AL East is interested in signing the 32-year-old reliever. The Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox have all been connected to Estévez at some point this offseason.
If the Reds fail to agree to a contract with Estévez, there are other ways for Cincinnati to upgrade the bullpen. Houston Astros reliever Ryan Pressly has been on the trade block all offseason, and he could be a fine fit at the backend of the Reds bullpen.
Astros reliever Ryan Pressly offers intriguing pivot if Reds fail to sign Carlos Estévez
According to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, three teams are in pursuit of Pressly. The Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs are among the teams the MLB insider listed, but Pressly has a no-trade clause and is reportedly unwilling to go to Toronto. Heyman is also reporting that Pressly is disinclined to go east or west.
Well, it's a excellent thing Cincinnati is part of the good ole Midwest. Perhaps the former Astros closer would be willing to waive his no-trade clause in order to join the Reds bullpen in 2025. Pressly is owed $14 million during the upcoming season, but that's a number that Houston may be willing to pay down depending on the return. The Astros are attempting to get comfortably below the luxury tax threshold, and shedding Pressly's 2025 salary would do just that.
Astros relief star Ryan Pressly, pursued seriously by 3 teams, has full no-trade and told the Astros he’s disinclined to go East or West. So that’s a “no” for Jays, 1 of the teams. He hasn’t committed either way yet on Cubs, who’re trying @BNightengale 1st on Cubs interest
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 24, 2025
Pressly was replaced as the Astros closer in 2024 after Houston signed Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract last offseason. In his new role as Houston's setup man in 2024, Pressly's numbers dropped off. The veteran posted a 3.49 ERA and recorded 58 strikeouts in 56 ⅔ innings pitched. Over the past three seasons in Houston, Pressly has a combined 3.38 ERA, 2.97FIP, and 68 saves with a 120 ERA+.
The Reds bullpen has been somewhat neglected this offseason, but adding Estévez could definitely give the relief corps a boost. However, if they miss out, perhaps Nick Krall and Co. can pivot and swing a trade for Pressly.