The Houston Astros made two moves to boost the squad this deadline. And Ryan Pressly was the most recent one, even though he wasn’t a prime option for contenders.
The Houston Astros finally got in on the trading action Thursday, acquiring Martin Maldonado from the Los Angeles Angels. Now they’ve made another move to bolster their other prime need in the eyes of experts: relief pitching.
But rather than swap for a top-tier option like the New York Yankees did, Houston opted for Ryan Pressly from the Twins. For many fans, it may seem like a bizarre move.
Yet, the Astros are known for this type of move. Pressly is a 29-year-old right-hander that has shown loads of improvement this season. And his swing-and-miss stuff has been off the charts.
Pressly isn’t a closer, nor a primetime setup guy. Nor is he a hybrid reliever – guys Houston cherishes in the bullpen.
Nevertheless, if June wasn’t included among his statistics, Pressly would be one of the best relievers in the American League. More than half of his earned runs came during that month.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The former Twins pitcher ranks in the top 10 in strikeouts per nine innings among players with at least 40 innings pitched. Pressly never boasted a better strikeout ratio in his career.
But even with his strong numbers, Pressly still has some issues to address. Despite missing more bats, he also owns his second-highest walk rate. And he still allows nearly a hit per inning pitched.
Hence, his WHIP seems elevated based on the rest of his numbers.
Was the move worth it?
With Pressly’s addition, the Astros boast a stronger bullpen. And surely pitching coach Brent Strom will help the hurler unleash his untapped potential.
It seems that was the rationale behind Houston’s latest acquisition.
Yet, the minor move cost them two higher-tier prospects in Gilbert Celestino and Jorge Alcala. Neither would make an immediate impact across the next few years, but they were still solid pieces.
However, the Astros still have several fantastic prospects within their farm system. Houston’s front office felt the move was worth it, though the move represents yet another steep price for a reliever.
Nevertheless, there is still a possibility Houston looks toward its top prospect, Forrest Whitley, for assistance as the season winds down. That will especially be the case if Pressly fails to succeed on the bump.
The Astros already possessed one of the best bullpens in the league. And this move clearly strengthens it, though maybe not by an immense amount.
Yet, if Houston loses in the playoffs, it may wish it sought after a better reliever – or catcher – prior to the deadline.