F.A.Q.

Answer:  Ryan Pressly is expected to take on the closing role for the Cubs, crucial for sealing games. His proven ability in ninth-inning situations will be essential for the Cubs as they aim to convert close games into victories with a reliable option at the back end of the bullpen.

Answer:  Ryan Pressly's experience and effectiveness as a closer make him a vital asset for the Cubs' bullpen. His ability to handle high-pressure situations and convert saves will help stabilize the late-inning dynamics, improving the team's overall competitive stance.

Answer:  With Ryan Pressly's trade, the Astros need to reconfigure their bullpen strategy. Losing a reliable closer means they must find new options to secure leads. This can lead to either the development of younger arms or seeking external help via trades or free agency to build a competitive relief corps.

Answer:  Bryan Abreu comes with impressive credentials, having posted sub 2.00 ERAs in both 2022 and 2023. His combined 5.5 bWAR over the last three seasons suggests he has the potential to thrive as the closer in Pressly's absence. If he can maintain or exceed his previous performance levels, Abreu could become a significant asset for the Astros' bullpen, allowing them to remain competitive without Pressly.

Answer:  Expectations for Ryan Pressly in Chicago are high, given his proven track record as a closer. The Cubs will rely on him to stabilize their bullpen and close games effectively. If he can replicate his previous form, he could be a vital asset in their playoff push. For fantasy players, Pressly's value could rise significantly if he secures the closer role early in the season.

Answer:  Ryan Pressly's departure poses a challenge for the Astros' bullpen, as his experience and effectiveness in late-game situations will be tough to replace. The team will likely lean on younger pitchers and possibly seek a trade or free agent signing to fill this void. Monitoring the performance of emerging relief pitchers during camp will be crucial for addressing this gap.

Answer:  Bryan Abreu and Kaleb Ort are anticipated to step up alongside Hader. Their performances in spring training will be critical in determining the bullpen's effectiveness and roles.

Answer:  Losing Pressly weakens the bullpen depth significantly, leading the Astros to explore other options in spring training. This shift could lead to a more fluid bullpen structure if they cannot identify a stable closer quickly.

Answer:  Pressly's move diminishes his fantasy value, but if Hader can solidify the closer role, he could see a rise in value. Fantasy players should monitor how this dynamic evolves during spring training.

Answer:  Josh Hader is expected to step into the closer role now that Pressly has been traded. His performance in spring training will be crucial in establishing himself as the reliable option for closing games.