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.

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.

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 Red Sox continue to be engaged with free-agent infielder Alex Bregman, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. There is a caveat to Boston's interest, however, as the Red Sox would prefer any agreement to be of the short-term variety -- meaning,

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

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.

Ryan Pressly said approving a trade to the Cubs was one of hardest decisions but he's ready to prove he can be a closer again in Chicago.

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.

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

Ryan Pressly described it as one of the hardest decisions he has faced. The Astros’ request for him to waive his no-trade clause last week meant agreeing to move on from his family’s lifelong home and head into unfamiliar territory.