HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros have acquired minor league prospect RHP Juan Bello from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for RHP Ryan Pressly and cash considerations, as announced by Astros General Manager Dana Brown.
Bello, 20, made 22 starts for Class A Myrtle Beach in the Cubs’ system last season, posting a 4-5 record with a 3.21 ERA (32 ER in 89.2 IP). He struck out 91 batters in his 89.2 innings pitched, while holding opponents to a .225 batting average. Bello has spent parts of three seasons (2022-24) in the Cubs’ minor league system after signing with Chicago as an international free agent from Colombia in 2022.
Pressly, 36, recorded a 3.49 ERA (22 ER in 56.2 IP) in 59 relief appearances for the Astros last season. The veteran reliever has played parts of 12 Major League seasons (2013-24), including the last seven with the Astros (2018-24). During his time with Houston, Pressly converted 111 saves and posted a 2.81 ERA (104 ER in 333 IP) in 342 relief appearances. He also made 47 postseason appearances, converting 14 of 15 save opportunities with a 2.78 ERA (14 ER in 45.1 IP). Pressly holds the franchise records for postseason saves (14) and appearances (47).
