Is a veteran reliever the key to the still gummed-up market for free-agent infielders? That may be the case, peculiar as it sounds. Let us explain. The Chicago Cubs have reportedly agreed to acquire high-leverage bullpenner Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros in exchange for right-hander Juan Bello.

The Houston Astros recently made a blockbuster trade to ship Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, which could be the key to an Alex Bregman reunion.

Astros trade Ryan Pressly to Cubs, clearing the way for a potential Alex Bregman reunion as they look to extend his contract.

Reliever Ryan Pressly has agreed to waive his no-trade rights and accept a trade from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs, a person with knowledge of the decision confirmed Sunday. A trade involving Pressly was in place as of Sunday afternoon,

Houston general manger Dana Brown says discussions about possible reunion with free agent Alex Bregman have been mostly 'internal.'

The Houston Astros might be one of the most important clubs to monitor as the offseason rolls along as they have been linked to two significant moves that could shape the open market.

Alex Bregman is one of the greatest players on the field and in the clubhouse of the Houston Astros’ golden era, but he is also expensive.

Astros GM Dana Brown admitted his relationship with Ryan Pressly suffered over the last year before Houston traded him to the Cubs.

With Bregman weighing his options, the Astros could look to target a less expensive player in Polanco who is coming off knee surgery.

By helping the Astros unload the contract, the Tigers might have hurt their own chances to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, the top free-agent hitter still on the market. The Pressly trade has only fueled speculation that the Astros are positioning their payroll for a last-ditch effort to retain their fan-favorite star.

The Houston Astros reached a tentative agreement to trade Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, clearing the way for Alex Bregman to return to the Astros.