MLB News: Surprising Retirement Announcement from 2-Time All-Star Closer

January 17, 2026 , ,


It was a tough year in 2025 for the former two-time All-Star closer and World Series champion. And after all was said and done, Ryan Pressly has decided that, at the age of 37, it was indeed time to hang up the cleats.

Pressly spent the first six years of his career with the Minnesota Twins. But things really took off for him after getting traded to the Houston Astros in 2018. He went on to become their closer, averaging 30 saves over three seasons from 2021 through 2023. In seven years there, he posted a 2.84 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP and 11.1 K/9, with 111 saves. 

His career highlight came in the 2022 postseason, when he was lights out for the Houston Astros, racking up six saves without allowing a single run in 11 playoff innings, on the way to clinching a World Series championship. 

“Hoisting that World Series trophy in 2022, that’s something I always dreamed of,” Pressly said. “I’ll carry that joy forever. Houston, you’ve got our hearts — it’s our forever home now. Thank you.” 

His dominance in the postseason wasn't exclusive to the 2022 playoffs, however. Pressly’s 2.78 career postseason ERA is the 11th lowest among all major-league relievers who have thrown at least 45 playoff innings.

As for his retirement, “It’s bittersweet,” Pressly wrote in a statement to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, “but what a ride it’s been.

"The friendships — from bullpen brothers to vets who mentored me along the way — those bonds last a lifetime.  I’ll miss the banter in the ‘pen, the inside jokes that kept us loose on those high-leverage nights.  But I’m fired up for this next chapter with my family, and chasing whatever adventure comes next.”

Pressly pitched 13 years in the majors, and retires with a career 3.33 ERA and 117 saves.

Photo: © Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

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