By helping the Astros unload the contract, the Tigers might have hurt their own chances to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, the top free-agent hitter still on the market. The Pressly trade has only fueled speculation that the Astros are positioning their payroll for a last-ditch effort to retain their fan-favorite star.

Astros reliever Ryan Pressly isn't likely to waive his no-trade clause for a team too far east or west of Texas. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

By offloading reliever Ryan Pressly, the Astros have reopened to door for a Alex Bregman reunion. Where does this leave the Tigers?

DETROIT — Alex Bregman’s world spins on while the rest of baseball waits. Particularly in Detroit, there is an edge-of-the-seat anticipation to see whether the Tigers will make a splash in free agency or ride things out with what they have.

Tigers executive Scott Harris revealed whether his team was done with its offseason moves after signing Tommy Kahnle.

The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-hander Ryan Pressly and cash from the Houston Astros for minor league pitcher Juan Bello.

After months of negotiations and decisions, the Houston Astros have a real chance to come out on top of the Alex Bregman sweepstakes.

Alex Bregman entered the winter with roughly a half-dozen suitors in free agency, with no clear leader in the clubhouse for the two-time All-Star and two-time champion. Three months later, the Houston Astros' legend still doesn't have clarity on his MLB future.

Per reporting from earlier this week, the Mets have an agreement in place to re-sign Ryne Stanek to a one-year deal. They almost made a very different bullpen addition, however.

The Padres and Cubs have discussed a Dylan Cease trade, which would send the starter back to the Windy City after one year in San Diego.

This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. We have apparently hit the lock-down-your-bullpen portion of the offseason. Plus: Ha-Seong Kim is moving across the country,