Former Astros World Series champion closer announces retirement
Former Astros World Series champion closer announces retirement originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Former Houston Astros closer Ryan Pressly announced his retirement from professional baseball on Saturday, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal .
Pressly concludes a 13-year career that included stints with the Minnesota Twins , Astros, and Chicago Cubs . He recorded 117 saves and had a 3.33 ERA in 667 appearances.
The 37-year-old was on the mound for the final out of the Astros' World Series championship in 2022, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.
“Hoisting that World Series trophy in 2022, that’s something I always dreamed of,” Pressly said in a statement to Rosenthal. “I’ll carry that joy forever. Houston, you’ve got our hearts — it’s our forever home now. Thank you.”
Pressly was a key contributor to the Astros' rise
Pressly joined the Astros in 2018 after a midseason trade from the Twins , with whom he spent the first five and a half years of his career.
The Twins acquired minor leaguers Jorge Alcala and Gilberto Celestino in the deal, who combined to play 311 Major League games with Minnesota.
By 2022, Pressly became the main closer of an Astros bullpen that included Rafael Montero , Phil Maton , Hector Neris , and Ryne Stanek . He is one of four pitchers in franchise history (Brad Lidge, Dave Smith, Billy Wagner) to record at least 100 saves, per Rome and Rosenthal.
