Is a veteran reliever the key to the still gummed-up market for free-agent infielders? That may be the case, peculiar as it sounds. Let us explain. The Chicago Cubs have reportedly agreed to acquire high-leverage bullpenner Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros in exchange for right-hander Juan Bello.

By helping the Astros unload the contract, the Tigers might have hurt their own chances to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, the top free-agent hitter still on the market. The Pressly trade has only fueled speculation that the Astros are positioning their payroll for a last-ditch effort to retain their fan-favorite star.

Astros trade Ryan Pressly to Cubs, clearing the way for a potential Alex Bregman reunion as they look to extend his contract.

The Houston Astros recently made a blockbuster trade to ship Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, which could be the key to an Alex Bregman reunion.

The Ryan Pressly trade moves the Astros under the threshold for the competitive balance tax and possibly in position for another deal.

Ryan Pressly said approving a trade to the Cubs was one of hardest decisions but he's ready to prove he can be a closer again in Chicago.

The Chicago Cubs finally made a big-time addition to their bullpen, acquiring Ryan Pressly and cash considerations from the Houston Astros on Sunday.

The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros have agreed on a trade that will send two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly and a reported $5.5 million in cash to Chicago in exchange for ri

The Houston Astros just shook up MLB with a blockbuster trade, sending veteran closer Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league pitcher Juan Bello and cash considerations. This move isn't just about bolstering the Cubs' bullpen—it could be the key to the Astros’ potential reunion with Alex Bregman.

So far this winter, the Cubs have added two key members of the Astros, Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly, both via trade with Houston.

Alex Bregman entered the winter with roughly a half-dozen suitors in free agency, with no clear leader in the clubhouse for the two-time All-Star and two-time champion. Three months later, the Houston Astros' legend still doesn't have clarity on his MLB future.