Former Astros reliever Ryan Pressly mulling retirement after release

The Houston Astros reunited with Carlos Correa at the trade deadline, and after the deadline passed, they have a chance to reunite with another franchise icon.

But, even if they have an interest in bringing back Ryan Pressly, the veteran reliever might make a different choice. According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, not only is Pressly weighing going to the Minnesota Twins, he's also considering retirement.

"... multiple league sources said the Twins have reached out to veteran free agent Ryan Pressly about a possible reunion." Hayes writes. "A source said Pressly, 36, is mulling his options, including retirement."

The 36-year-old veteran right-handed reliever might decide to retire after 13 years in the Major Leagues. He spent the bulk of his career with the Astros and the Twins, the two teams he's been linked to since his release from the Chicago Cubs.

While the Astros might not need him as much as the Twins do, the Astros are making a postseason push and could use all the help they can get in the bullpen. Meanwhile, the Twins just sold most of their bullpen and are heading into a rebuild.

MORE: Astros agree to blockbuster trade with Twins for Carlos Correa

Pressly was released from the Cubs after posting a 4.35 ERA in 44 appearances with five saves, two blown saves, 28 strikeouts, six home runs, and 17 walks. His 88 ERA+ is the worst of his career, as is his hits-per-nine (10.0) and his strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.65).

He's also allowing more baserunners than he's ever allowed in his career, with a career high 1.524 WHIP this season. His struggles have culminated in -0.6 WAR, the only season he's had in the negatives in his career.

The two-time All-Star was dealt to the Cubs in the offseason for Jaun Bello. It's not gone well for the Cubs or Pressly, as he's had the worst season of his career across his 44 appearances for the Cubs.

Houston previously traded for Pressly, dealing Jorge Alcala and Gilberto Celestino to the Twins for him in 2018. Their acquisition of Pressly went a lot better than Chicago's, as he helped win a World Series for the team in 2022.

After a lengthy career, Pressly is at a crossroads. He could return to one of his former teams in the Twins or Astros, or he could retire after 13 years in the majors.

He has three choices, and each presents a different future. He could contend in a lesser role, take over as a closer, or decide to retire. While the Astros and Twins are considering bringing him back, Pressly, at 36 years old, is mulling retirement.

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