AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox

The Rundown: Cubs Linked to Pressly and Robertson, Bregman Rumors Resurface, Dodgers Spending Spree Expected to Initiate Next CBA Lockout

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterJanuary 24, 2025

For the record, I believe Jed Hoyer is much closer to signing David Robertson than trading for Ryan Pressly. In case you missed it, the Cubs were reported to be near an agreement to acquire Pressly from the Astros, but nothing’s been consummated. The former closer, who Josh Hader displaced, has a full no-trade clause and isn’t going anywhere he doesn’t want to be. As such, he has stipulations. Pressly wants to close again, and the fact that he’s yet to waive that NTC tells me that Craig Counsell won’t agree to that stipulation, at least right now.

Trading for Pressly reeks of desperation after missing out on Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and possibly Carlos Estévez, who is drawing interest from the Reds and Tigers. If Hoyer really wanted Pressly, he certainly could have asked Houston to include him in the trade for Kyle Tucker. For all we know, he may have and it didn’t work out. Regardless, the whole thing seems amiss. I’ve heard reports that the Cubs don’t want to take on the entirety of Pressly’s $14 million salary, but that shouldn’t affect his decision. If both parties have agreed on a trade, it is the player who is holding it up. Perhaps a tentative agreement does not even exist. Either way, the Cubs should move on.

Hoyer could instead pivot to Roberston, the ex-Cub who represents himself in contract negotiations. Roberston has reportedly talked with Chicago’s front office about a potential reunion, and he makes much more sense given the Cubs’ needs and the current reliever market. The 39-year-old is durable, coming off of a career-best year, has closing experience, improves the back end of the bullpen, and would also be an excellent mentor to Porter Hodge. Roberston will also save the Cubs $4-5 million over Pressly and he won’t cost the Cubs any prospects.

Choosing Roberston over Pressly is a no-brainer from my chair. Unfortunately, I sit in a small home office on Milwaukee’s lakefront and not at the corner of Clark and Addison. Could Hoyer acquire both? Nothing’s impossible, but those dollars should be used to get another starter.

Cubs News & Notes

Odds & Sods

Shawon Dunston was a lethal weapon in the days before pole-to-pole netting.

Central Intelligence

  • Milwaukee: The Brewers could consider signing ex-Cub José Quintana to complete their rotation. Quintana is 35 years old and is expected to command $16 million on a two-year deal. He’d be a good fit for the Cubs, come to think of it.
  • St. Louis: The Cardinals have hit a massive road bump in their attempt to rebuild the team. Three St. Louis players have full NTCs, making it nearly impossible for the team to move them. Nolan Arenado is the only one Jon Mozeliak has actively shopped. Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray are also unmoveable right now.
  • Cincinnati: The Reds are still seeking an outfielder, but the market has thinned considerably.
  • Pittsburgh: The Pirates also need an outfielder, and free agent Mark Canha is a potential fit.

Friday Stove

ESPN’s Jeff Passan writes that the Dodgers are a symptom of baseball’s financial imbalance and not the cause.

Still, the owners could force a lockout after the 2026 season because of the high number of deferred contracts written by the Los Angeles front office.

Jurickson Profar signed a three-year contract worth $42 million with the Braves, a deal that has seemed like a given since free agency started.

Bobby Witt Jr., Jackson Chourio, and Gunnar Henderson top the list of Baseball America’s best position players under the age of 25.

The league implemented two small rule changes; one involves shifting and the other instant replay.

The Astros have not given up on keeping Bregman and the team hasn’t removed its most recent offer.

Extra Innings

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Jack Brickhouse.

They Said It

  • “Lame duck is not what I would describe what Jed is doing right now. He’s working really hard. I think he’s had a really good offseason. You saw what happened last year. We got caught short on pitching depth if nothing else. We had too many injuries all at once, and that put us on our heels a third of the way into the season. And then we were just short an impact bat.” – Ricketts

Friday Walk-Up Song

Django Reinhart isn’t as well-known as Les Paul, but he’s a pioneer and legendary guitarist nonetheless.

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterJanuary 24, 2025
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