World Champs: Ranking the Eight Astros Most Deserving of their Rings

4) Ryan Pressly

Since being acquired at the 2018 trade deadline, Ryan Pressly has become an elite reliever. Over five years in Houston, Pressly has thrived as a leverage arm, a setup man and as a closer, posting a 12-12 record with a 2.39 ERA, 76 saves, a 0.929 WHIP and 11.9 K/9.

Like Brantley, Pressly arrived after the 2017 World Series team, but has heard more than his fair share of boos. He signed a two-year extension leading into the season, remaining loyal to the team that has made him elite.

Without him, the Astros don’t hoist the trophy this year. Pressly was untouchable in October, throwing 11 innings without yielding an earned run. He converted all six save opportunities, holding opponents to a .108 batting average against, while striking out 13 and walking only three. Pressly also got the final three outs of the combined no-hitter in Game 4.

If the Astros had the lead when Pressly set foot on the mound, the game was effectively over. He’s been lights out for years (and now has a lights out entrance to show for it) and more than earned both his ring and his place in Astros’ lore.