In a heartfelt announcement, Ryan Pressly, a standout postseason reliever and a key player in the Houston Astros’ rise to prominence in the American League, revealed his retirement from professional baseball on Saturday, concluding a remarkable 13-year career in Major League Baseball.
"It's a bittersweet moment," Pressly expressed in a statement shared with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. "What an incredible journey it has been."
Throughout his career, Pressly achieved 117 saves, was named an All-Star twice, and even took the mound for Team USA during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Notably, he secured the final out in the Astros' historic 2022 World Series victory, marking the first time a Texas team won the championship on home soil.
It seems poetic that a native of Dallas, whose back shoulder sports a tattoo of the state of Texas, delivered that decisive pitch. "Winning the World Series in 2022 was a dream come true for me," Pressly reflected. "The joy from that moment will stay with me forever. Houston, you hold a special place in our hearts — this is our forever home. Thank you."
During his time with the Astros, Pressly did not allow a single earned run over 11 appearances in the World Series, contributing to an impressive streak of 22 and two-thirds scoreless innings that spanned across three postseasons. This performance solidified his reputation among the elite in October baseball. His postseason earned run average (ERA) of 2.78 ranks as the 11th lowest among all major-league relievers who have pitched at least 45 playoff innings.
Among the ten relievers ranked ahead of him, only the legendary Mariano Rivera played all his playoff games for one team, a distinction Pressly shares as well, having built his legacy entirely with the Astros. His influence extended beyond the diamond; within the Astros' clubhouse, Pressly evolved into a quiet leader, offering invaluable guidance to young pitchers striving to improve.
One of the most astute moves during Jeff Luhnow's tenure as Houston's general manager was acquiring Pressly in 2018 from the Minnesota Twins, where he had struggled to find his footing. The trade felt like a homecoming for Pressly, especially since his wife, Kat, hails from Houston. Their children, Wyatt and Hunter, were born while he was contributing to the Astros' success.
Recognizing the exceptional spin rate on both of Pressly's breaking pitches, the Astros were convinced that tweaking his pitch usage could unlock his true potential. Responding to this belief, Pressly delivered an outstanding performance over seven seasons that would ultimately define his career.
With an impressive strikeout rate of 11.1 batters per nine innings and a stellar ERA of 2.81 across 342 games with the Astros, Pressly joins an exclusive group of just four pitchers in franchise history to record over 100 saves, alongside Brad Lidge, Dave Smith, and Hall of Famer Billy Wagner.
Pressly's ascent to such heights once seemed improbable. He was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round of the 2007 MLB Draft but was left unprotected in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft, where the Minnesota Twins picked him up, giving him a fresh start.
Now, here’s Pressly’s full statement regarding his retirement:
"After dedicating the last 19 years to professional baseball, I’ve decided it’s time to hang up my cleats and step away from the game. It’s a bittersweet decision, but wow, what an amazing journey it has been.
Drafted at the young age of 18 out of a small high school in Texas by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, I was just a kid with dreams. I’ll cherish the memories from the minor leagues — the long bus rides, the diverse towns, and all the stories we created along the way. Thank you, Jim Robinson, and the Boston Red Sox.
The number 20,346 holds a special significance for me. The Minnesota Twins provided me the opportunity to become just the 20,346th individual to ever wear a major-league uniform, something I will always value. Thank you for that.
Being traded to the Houston Astros felt like coming home. Lifting that World Series trophy in 2022 is something I've always envisioned, and I will carry that happiness with me for life. Houston, you have our hearts — it’s our forever home now. Thank you.
I also want to express my gratitude to the Chicago Cubs for allowing me the chance to pitch for such an iconic organization. Wrigley Field and the North Side fans will be unforgettable experiences. Thank you for everything.
None of this would have been possible without my rock, Kat. From the struggles of minor league life to the bright lights of Houston, you’ve been my biggest supporter and my guiding voice, always there to wipe away the sweat (and tears) after tough games. Wyatt and Hunter, you are my MVPs — watching you grow from the dugout has truly been the highlight of my career. Sharing this journey with you is priceless.
The friendships I’ve made — from my bullpen brothers to the veterans who have guided me — are bonds that will last a lifetime. I will miss the camaraderie in the bullpen, the inside jokes that kept us lighthearted during high-pressure situations. However, I’m excited about embarking on this next chapter with my family and embracing whatever adventures await.
With immense gratitude,
