Ryan Pressly (Image Via Getty) Ryan Pressly, the veteran All-Star relief pitcher, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Saturday, January 17, 2026. His decision brought an end to a long 13-year career. Over the years, he played for the Minnesota Twins, the Houston Astros, and later the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Pressly became known as one of the most dependable closers of his time. He finished his career with 117 saves. He also struck out 721 batters in 691⅓ innings. One of the biggest moments of his career came in 2022, when he helped the Houston Astros win the World Series.Ryan Pressly shared the news himself on social media. In his message, he wrote, “After spending the last 19 years in professional baseball, I’ve made the decision to hang up my cleats and step away from the mound. It’s bittersweet, but what a ride it’s been.” His post quickly spread, and many players and fans responded with love and respect.
Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman pay tribute to Ryan Pressly after his retirement announcement
Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, who both played with Ryan Pressly on the Houston Astros, were among the first to react. Kyle Tucker, who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing a major four-year, $240 million deal, posted a message on Instagram. He thanked Ryan Pressly for being a great teammate and praised his leadership on and off the field.Alex Bregman also shared his feelings online. Bregman, who signed with the Chicago Cubs this offseason, talked about how much Ryan Pressly meant to him. He thanked him for his friendship and for coming through in big games. He also pointed to the 2022 season, when Pressly was a key part of the Astros’ World Series run. Both players spoke about how calm Pressly always was on the mound and how younger players often looked up to him.Ryan Pressly built a strong name in October baseball. During the 2022 postseason, he did not give up a single earned run in 11 innings. He ended his playoff career with a 2.78 ERA, one of the best marks among modern MLB relievers.Ryan Pressly started his MLB journey in 2013 with the Minnesota Twins after coming through the Boston Red Sox system. He spent several seasons in Minnesota before being traded to Houston in 2018. With the Astros, he became a two-time All-Star in 2019 and 2021 and later a World Series champion. The Chicago Cubs were his last team in the MLB, and that was in the year 2025. For those who were frequently in his company, his pitching was not the only topic of discussion. They remember his composed personality, his noise in the locker room and his ability to handle pressure. To many players, the retirement of Ryan Pressly is not just a career ending, but the passing of an artist who was respected a lot across the whole baseball community.