Will Houston Astros trade multiple All-Stars this offseason to lower payroll?
The Houston Astros could be front-and-center on the trade front this offseason.
The Athletic’s Chandler Rome reports the Astros could potentially ship out multiple All-Stars to lower payroll and try to retain free agent Alex Bregman. According to FanGraphs, the Astros’ estimated 2025 payroll is $217 million.
Pressly, a two-time All-Star, has been one of the best high-leverage arms in the game since the Astros acquired him from the Minnesota Twins in 2018.
Pressly has 111 saves in seven seasons with the Astros, with a 2.81 ERA, 151 ERA+, and 411 strikeouts across 333 innings. He’s also been a part of two World Series championship teams.
The big reason why the Astros could potentially move Pressly is because of his $14 million salary in 2025. Houston is reportedly looking to get further away from the luxury tax threshold.
“If we can use a major-league piece to get two pieces that will help us solve problems, I would welcome that if that deal shows up,” Astros general manager Dana Brown said about moving players from his Major League roster, via The Athletic’s Rome. “But I don’t want to trade major-league pieces and weaken the team. It has to make sense for the team and it has to feel like we’re getting better.”
