Tigers could capitalize on Astros-Ryan Pressly trade drama after latest development

Although the Tigers still don't seem to be making any progress with Alex Bregman, who reportedly remains the club's top priority this offseason, they (thankfully) are also branching out to other parts of the roster that could use a lift from the free agent market.

On Thursday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reported the Tigers were interested in relievers with closing experience, including Carlos Estévez, Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, Craig Kimbrel, and David Robertson.

Petzold added a caveat, though: the Tigers may let themselves get preoccupied with trying to make a deal with Bregman that they could let a good opportunity (Estévez in particular) pass them by.

Even though fans are anxiously awaiting a Bregman signing, the front office shouldn't let themselves get tunnel-visioned and run the risk of coming up completely empty by spring training. Although Jason Foley would make a great go-to closer, having a veteran presence would elevate their already solid bullpen.

Another candidate may also be down in Texas. The Astros' Ryan Pressly is on the trade block, but his no-trade clause could cause problems for Houston. Per Jon Heyman, Pressly is "disinclined to go east or west," which counts the Blue Jays out of the chase but might leave the Cubs, who are also "pursuing seriously," in the chase.

If Pressly wants to stay in the middle of America, and the Tigers are looking for closers, Pressly could be their guy.

Tigers could explore Ryan Pressly trade with Astros after expressing interest in multiple closers

Pressly had a decent 2024 season in Houston, pitching to a 3.49 ERA over 56 2/3 innings with four saves. He was moved out of the closer role when the Astros signed Josh Hader last year, but Hader's performance took a sharp nose dive in Houston (and who can forget Andy Ibáñez's three-run, series-clinching double off of him in the Wild Card round?).

There's $14 million left on Pressly's contract before he becomes a free agent again after the 2025 season, and while $14 million is a lot for a reliever, especially when a prospective buying team hates spending money as much as the Tigers, it does fall comfortably within their established range of spending this offseason. The prospect capital they might have to give up to the Astros would be more likely to be what would give them pause. Then again, the Astros are seemingly trying to get rid of Pressly's money to make room for Bregman, so the reliever might come cheap.

It's still nice to hear that the Tigers are extending themselves on the markets a bit beyond Bregman. If they do go the free agent route, Estévez and Robertson seem like especially sound options. But some might argue they need to do better than that.