3 trade targets for the Colorado Rockies from the Houston Astros

Houston Astros closer Ryan Pressly is someone the Colorado Rockies should really consider

Ryan Pressly has been the closer for the Houston Astros for each of the last two seasons and he has a long track record of being a good reliever, which would be good for the Colorado Rockies.

In 2021, Pressly, who just turned 33, appeared in 64 games and had an ERA of 2.25 with 26 saves. He had a 191 ERA+, a fantastic FIP of 2.06, an even better WHIP of 0.969, a great walk rate (1.8 BB/9), and a phenomenal strikeout rate (11.4 K/9). That season earned him his second career All-Star nod.

He was an All-Star in 2019 as well when he had a 2.32 ERA on the season in 55 appearances and a 200 ERA+. He had a 2.66 FIP, a 0.902 WHIP, and a 6:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Overall in his nine seasons in the majors, he has had an ERA+ of 106 or better in all but one season (2017 with Minnesota) and since 2018, he hasn’t had an ERA+ below 2020’s 131.

On top of all of that, since 2019 (among relievers with at least 100 innings pitched), his 52.5 percent groundball rate is 23rd-highest in baseball. The Rockies bullpen corps doesn’t have anyone even in the top 65.

The biggest problems are that Pressly is owed $10 million as his vesting option vested in September and with the Astros in contention, Pressly is the least likely of these three relievers to be traded. However, he is a free agent after the 2022 so that is a more likely avenue for the Rockies.

Our trade target series continues with the Los Angeles Angels on deck.