The Houston Astros have reportedly finalized a deal to send reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, after Pressly agreed to waive his no-trade clause on Sunday. This move opens the door for Alex Bregman, a free-agent third baseman, to come back to the Astros.

To facilitate Bregman’s return, the Astros needed to offload Pressly’s contract, as outlined by two senior executives speaking to YSL News Sports. The player is set to earn $14 million in the final year of his deal in 2025. The Cubs will take on $8.5 million of that contract and will send a Class A pitcher, Juan Bello, back to Houston. The funds saved from this transaction will help in signing Bregman.

In October, the Astros offered Bregman a six-year contract worth $156 million in hopes of keeping him. However, he opted to enter free agency, seeking offers approaching his desired $200 million deal. The Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers all expressed interest, with two teams proposing maximum five-year contracts, but no one met his $200 million asking price.

According to the executives, the Astros reached out to Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, on Wednesday to gauge Bregman’s interest in returning. Bregman conveyed that he was very interested but needed a swift resolution since other teams were prepared to offer him multiple-year contracts.

The Astros seriously began negotiations with the Cubs on Thursday, inching closer to a deal, which was finalized on Friday contingent upon Pressly waiving his no-trade clause.

Pressly, who resides near Dallas with his young family, was hesitant to waive his clause but eventually consented upon learning he would be the Cubs’ primary closer rather than just a late-inning reliever for the Astros. He will receive a bonus to offset tax differences and will retain his no-trade clause.

Bregman’s potential return is notable because it leads to a significant positional shake-up: All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve is set to move to left field, while Isaac Paredes shifts from third base to second base, a position where he has already played 53 games. Bregman, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner from last season, is known for his strong defensive skills at third.

“I really enjoy watching Bregman play third base, and I can’t envision him anywhere else on the field,” Astros GM Dana Brown stated during Saturday’s Astros Fanfest. “That position is where he excels, showcasing his talent and winning Gold Glove awards, and I can’t picture him playing any other position.”

The idea of Bregman returning seemed unlikely just a month ago when the Astros, having grown frustrated with his free agency delay, traded for Paredes and extended Christian Walker’s contract. They initially assumed Bregman would join another team, but on Wednesday, they revived discussions for his return.

Altuve, who had anticipated Bregman’s departure, indicated he would be open to shifting from second base after 14 seasons if it meant welcoming Bregman back.

“For Alex, I’m prepared to do anything,” Altuve, 34, remarked on Saturday. “He’s one of the top players in the league and is crucial to our team’s success. We want him back, and I’m willing to make any adjustment necessary.”

Espada, aware that Altuve has mostly played second base, expressed confidence in Altuve’s ability to adapt to the new position.

“Yes, without a doubt, because he’s incredibly athletic and possesses unique skills on the field,” Espada mentioned on Saturday. “If this situation arises, we will discuss it with him, but his commitment to doing whatever it takes to win is paramount. He’s a key part of our team and understands the bigger picture.”

Altuve also recognizes the importance of Bregman’s return for the Astros’ legacy, as they aim to extend their streak of eight consecutive postseason appearances, including four pennants and two World Series titles.

“I’m ready to do everything possible to keep him,” Altuve stated. “His presence elevates our chances for a championship.

“It’s not solely my decision, but if it were up to me, I’d secure him at any cost to bring him back. I just want him on our team.”