Ryan Pressly Retires After 13-Year MLB Career, Set to Rejoin Twins in New Role
After 13 seasons in the big leagues, Ryan Pressly is calling it a career-but not stepping away from the game. The longtime reliever is retiring from Major League Baseball and returning to where it all started: the Minnesota Twins. Only this time, he’s not taking the mound.
Pressly, 37, announced his retirement on Sunday, closing the book on a career that saw him evolve from a Rule 5 pickup into one of the game’s most reliable late-inning arms. While the Twins haven’t yet revealed what role he’ll take on within the organization, his return to Minnesota marks a full-circle moment for the right-hander.
From Rule 5 Gamble to Go-To Closer
Pressly’s journey to MLB success wasn’t exactly a straight line. Originally drafted by the Red Sox in the 11th round back in 2007, he was plucked from Boston’s system by the Twins in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft. That move gave him an early opportunity in Minnesota’s bullpen, and he made the most of it.
Over six seasons with the Twins (2013-2018), Pressly logged 317 innings with a 3.75 ERA. He wasn’t flashy, but he was steady-an arm that managers could trust in the middle innings. That consistency caught the eye of the Houston Astros, who traded for him at the 2018 deadline in a deal that would reshape the trajectory of his career.
In Houston, Pressly found another gear. He transitioned into a high-leverage role and eventually took over closing duties.
From 2018 to 2024, he racked up 111 saves and posted a 2.81 ERA over 333 innings. His stuff played up in the Astros’ analytically driven bullpen, and he became a key piece of a team that was always in the October conversation.
Big Games, Big Moments
Pressly wasn’t just a regular-season performer-he thrived under postseason pressure. In 47 playoff appearances with Houston, he recorded 14 saves and a 2.78 ERA, helping anchor a bullpen that contributed to deep playoff runs. He earned a World Series ring in 2022, a season that cemented his status as one of the game’s elite closers.
He also represented Houston in two All-Star Games (2019 and 2021) and suited up for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, helping the squad reach the championship game. Whether it was the midsummer classic or the game’s biggest international stage, Pressly showed he belonged among baseball’s best.
A Final Stop in Chicago
Pressly’s final MLB stop came with the Chicago Cubs, who acquired him last offseason. But his time in Wrigleyville didn’t go as planned.
He posted a 4.35 ERA over 41 1/3 innings, with 28 strikeouts and 17 walks-a far cry from his dominant Houston years. The Cubs designated him for assignment later in the season to make room for another former Twin, left-hander Taylor Rogers.
Even after that, there was still interest. According to reports, the Twins explored the idea of bringing Pressly back in August. But rather than chase another deal or try to fight his way onto a roster, Pressly chose to step away from the mound on his own terms.
A New Chapter in Minnesota
Now, Pressly is headed back to Minnesota-not as a player, but as part of the Twins’ staff. While the specifics of his role haven’t been announced, it’s clear the organization values what he brings to the table: experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the bullpen.
For a team that’s seen its fair share of young arms rise through the ranks, having a veteran like Pressly around could be a huge asset-especially for relievers trying to navigate the mental and mechanical grind of late-inning work.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Pressly finishes his career with a 3.20 ERA across 650 1/3 innings, 114 saves, and the respect of teammates, coaches, and hitters across the league. He wasn’t the loudest name in the game, but he was one of the most consistent-a guy you could count on when the stakes were high.
Now, as he steps into a new role with the Twins, he brings that same reliability to a different kind of dugout. Whether he’s mentoring pitchers, working in player development, or helping shape the next generation of relievers, Pressly’s impact on the game isn’t done yet.
A tip of the cap to Ryan Pressly-on a career built on resilience, reinvention, and results.