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. The announcement was made 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 and a 3.21 ERA (32ER/89.2IP). He fanned 91 hitters in his 89.2 innings pitched, while allowing just a .225 opponent batting average. Bello has pitched in parts of three seasons (2022-24) in the Cubs minor league system after signing with Chicago as an international free agent out of Colombia in 2022.
Pressly, 36, posted a 3.49 ERA (22ER/56.2IP) in 59 relief appearances for the Astros last season. The veteran reliever has pitched in parts of 12 Major League seasons (2013-24), including the last seven with the Astros (2018-24). In his Astros career, Pressly converted 111 saves, while posting a 2.81 ERA (104ER/333IP) in 342 relief appearances. He also made another 47 postseason appearances, converting 14-of-15 saves, with a 2.78 ERA (14ER/45.1IP). Pressly holds the franchise record for postseason saves (14) and appearances (47).
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