Now, after 117 saves and a championship, the Texas native is stepping away from baseball.
HOUSTON — Veteran relief pitcher Ryan Pressly has announced his retirement from professional baseball, ending a career that included a World Series championship and stints with four major league organizations, including the Houston Astros.
The 36-year-old right-hander, who wore number 55, made his decision public in a heartfelt statement reflecting on his journey from a small-town Texas high school to the major leagues. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007 as the 354th overall pick in the 11th round out of Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, Pressly made his major league debut on April 4, 2013.
“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,” Pressly wrote in his retirement announcement to The Athletic.
“It’s bittersweet, but what a ride it’s been.”
Pressly’s career spanned 667 games across multiple organizations.
“20,346 is a number I will cherish forever,” he said. “The Minnesota Twins allowed me to become just the 20,346th person to ever to compete in a major league uniform, something I will never take for granted. Thank you.”
His career reached its pinnacle after being traded to the Houston Astros, where was part of the 2022 World Series-winning team. and closed for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
“Being traded to the Houston Astros felt like a Homecoming,” Pressly stated.
Pressley was on the mound when the Astros recorded the final out of the 2022 World Series against the Phillies.
“Hoisting that World Series trophy in 2022 and closing for Team USA in the 2023 WBC, those are things I always dreamed of. I’ll carry that joy forever. Houston, you’ve got our hearts—it’s our forever home now. Thank you.”
Pressley was traded by the Astros to the Chicago Cubs, an experience he described as unforgettable.
“And to the Cubs for giving me a chance to pitch for such an iconic franchise. Wrigley Field, those North Side fans… unforgettable. Thank you.”
For his career, Pressly compiled 37 regular season wins, 39 losses, and a 3.33 ERA with 117 saves and 691.1 innings pitched. In the 2025 regular season, he recorded two wins, three losses, a 4.35 ERA, and five saves.
Pressly credited his family for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
“None of this happens without my rock, Kat,” he wrote.
“From the minor league grind to the bright lights of Houston, you’ve been my biggest fan, my voice of reason, and the one wiping away the sweat (and tears) after the toughest outings. Wyatt and Hunter, you two are my MVPs—watching y’all grow up from the dugout has been the real highlight reel. Sharing this journey with y’all. Priceless.”
He also expressed gratitude for the relationships built during his career, from teammates to mentors.
“The friendships—from bullpen brothers to vets who mentored me along the way—those bonds last a lifetime,” Pressly said.
“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.”
The pitcher signed off with simple gratitude: “Grateful beyond words.”