Houston Astros: Impact of the Ryan Pressly Extension

What’s the impact on the Astros?

Pressly was set to be a free agent at the end of this year, and if a deal hadn’t been done by Houston, he would have been tough to re-sign. Considering the recent deals closers like Chapman and Hendriks got, Pressly could have easily got upwards to $16-$20 million a year deal on the open market.

Signing Presley to a $15 million average annual value contract ensures that the Astros keep an elite-level closer at a reasonable market rate, which may very well look like a steal two years from now.

Presley is 33-years-old and hasn’t shown any significant decline in spin rates or velocity. This contract ensures that the Astros have an elite level closer throughout his projected prime of his career.

This move also helps solidify the bullpen beyond 2022. Houston already has Cristian Javier and Phil Maton under club control, and Hector Neris is signed through the end of 2023. However, none of those guys have pitched in a closer role or produced at a consistent All-Star level.

With Pedro Baez flaming out and some other prospects struggling to progress, there could have been some serious uncertainty with the bullpen going forward. Now with the All-Star Pressly locked down,  the Astros bullpen will remain deep going beyond this 2022 season.

And with the likelihood that Michael Brantley, Justin Verlander and Yuli Gurriel might be in their final season in Houston, having an elite closer in you bullpen signed long-term is essential. Well done, James Click.

Now, go extend Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez.