The Houston Astros have decided not to pursue former reliever Ryan Pressly despite facing a gap in their bullpen after Josh Hader’s potential season-ending injury. This choice comes as the team aims to find new talent rather than relying on Pressly, whose performance with the Chicago Cubs this year has been underwhelming. The Astros’ decision reflects a strategic move as they assess how best to address their current pitching challenges.

Recent Performance Challenges Impact Pressly’s Standing

Ryan Pressly’s statistics in 2024 show clear difficulties, with a 4.35 ERA over 41.1 innings pitched, allowing 46 hits and 24 runs. His wins above replacement (WAR) sits at -0.6, marking the first time in his 13-year Major League career that he has posted a negative WAR. Although he experienced a slight improvement after a rough start to the season, his overall results have not met the expectations the Astros upheld during his earlier tenure.

Astros Seeking New Bullpen Solutions Following Hader’s Injury

With All-Star closer Josh Hader sidelined, the Astros are actively exploring options on the free-agent market to strengthen their bullpen. The team’s choice to move past Pressly, despite his previous success in Houston, signals their intent to prioritize current effectiveness over past accomplishments. This shift underlines their focus on assembling a pitching staff capable of sustaining competitiveness during this critical phase of the season.

Implications for Pressly and the Astros’ Future Moves

By passing on Pressly, the Astros emphasize their commitment to renewing their bullpen with fresh talent rather than relying on veterans whose recent performances have declined. Meanwhile, Pressly may attract interest from other Major League teams willing to gamble on his experience despite recent struggles. For Houston, the upcoming weeks will involve decisive actions in free agency as they work to mitigate the loss of Hader and maintain their playoff aspirations.