Ryan Pressly, 37, Retires: Former All-Star and Astros Champion

This article covers the retirement of longtime MLB reliever Ryan Pressly. He was a durable and reliable bullpen arm whose 13-year career spanned multiple contenders and ended with a World Series championship for the Houston Astros.

From his early days in Minnesota to his dominance in October, Pressly leaves behind a legacy of consistency and composure. His postseason performances really set him apart.

A 13-Year MLB Journey Comes to an End

Ryan Pressly officially announced his retirement on Saturday. That brings the curtain down on a major league career that quietly but firmly earned respect across baseball.

At 37, Pressly steps away after logging 13 seasons in the big leagues, all as a reliever. In an era where bullpen roles constantly shift, he adapted and stayed effective—teams valued that wherever he landed.

Pressly’s career numbers really tell the story. Over 667 appearances, he put up a 3.33 ERA, struck out 721 batters, and racked up 117 saves.

He rarely chased the spotlight, but his steady presence often meant the difference between a win and a loss.

Teams That Shaped Pressly’s Career

Pressly’s professional journey took him through three organizations. Each played a role in shaping his career and legacy.

  • Minnesota Twins (2013–2018): Pressly broke into the majors with Minnesota. He developed into a dependable late-inning reliever and set the foundation for his future success.
  • Houston Astros (2018–2024): His time in Houston defined his prime, earning him All-Star nods and that coveted postseason glory.
  • Chicago Cubs (2025): Pressly spent his final season with the Cubs, providing veteran leadership before deciding to call it a career.
  • Postseason Excellence and World Series Glory

    Pressly was consistently effective during the regular season. But his reputation really solidified in October.

    Across 47 postseason appearances, he posted a 3–1 record with a 2.78 ERA and 14 saves. He handled baseball’s most intense moments without blinking.

    Dominance in the 2022 World Series

    In the 2022 postseason, Pressly was nearly untouchable. He recorded six saves and allowed just one unearned run in 11 innings.

    Against the Phillies in the World Series, he delivered two saves and surrendered only that lone unearned run in 5 2/3 innings. Houston took the title in six games.

    Those performances showed his value as a closer who thrived under pressure. When every out mattered, he executed pitches with precision.

    Accolades, Consistency, and Career Numbers

    Pressly earned two All-Star selections in 2019 and 2021 with the Astros. That reflected his standing among the game’s elite relievers during his best years.

    He finished his career with a 37–39 regular-season record. That stat rarely tells the full story for a high-leverage bullpen arm.

    His durability stands out more. Pressly logged 691 1/3 innings without a single start, always ready to take the ball and get outs whenever his team needed him.

    A Bittersweet Farewell

    In his retirement statement, Pressly called the decision “bittersweet.” He felt both gratitude and a sense of closure.

    He spent over a decade navigating the grind of a long season. Now, the announcement marks the end of a demanding but rewarding chapter.

    Ryan Pressly didn’t always dominate headlines, but his legacy’s secure. He was a trusted closer and a postseason performer.

    He played a key role on multiple contending teams. As baseball keeps changing, Pressly’s career reminds us of the value of quiet excellence and resilience out of the bullpen.

     
    Here is the source article for this story: Pressly, 37, world champion with Astros, retires

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