The Astros could've reunited with a relief pitcher they know all too well but went with the 400 save club member instead.
Did the Astros skip over a familiar face to sign Craig Kimbrel? originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Houston Astros have gone through quite a struggle with injuries in the 2025 season but given that they still hold a two-game lead in the American League West over the Seattle Mariners, you probably wouldn't be able to tell just at a glance.
The team has been without star designated hitter Yordan Alvarez for over three months now, and closer Josh Hader is also on the injured list for a brief stint after suffering a shoulder injury.
Though Bryan Abreu currently holds the closing role as the team awaits Hader's return, the time did add Craig Kimbrel to the team for the long haul.
And it seems the 'Stros chose to forgo a familiar former member of their team to take the future Hall of Famer.
The Astros Took Craig Kimbrel Over Ryan Pressly
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Astros reportedly chose Kimbrel, a former shutdown closer with 440 career saves, over Houston's former closer Ryan Pressly, who was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs earlier this month.
And when you look at the two, you can't blame Houston for choosing to pass on a reunion with Pressly.
Kimbrel's prime is well in the past, and he's only stepped foot on a major league mound once this season, but has shown a more recent showing of a positive relief job, striking out 53 batters while snagging 23 saves in the first half of the 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles.
In 44 showings with the Cubs this year, Pressly put up a 4.35 ERA in 44 appearances, only striking out 28 batters in 41.1 innings.
After all, Kimbrel has been compared throughout his career to Astros legend and recent Baseball Hall of Famer Billy Wagner, so it seemed like it was only a matter of time until he ended up in Space City.
Category: Baseball
