Is a veteran reliever the key to the still gummed-up market for free-agent infielders? That may be the case, peculiar as it sounds. Let us explain. The Chicago Cubs have reportedly agreed to acquire high-leverage bullpenner Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros in exchange for right-hander Juan Bello.

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.

Reliever Ryan Pressly has agreed to waive his no-trade rights and accept a trade from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs, a person with knowledge of the decision confirmed Sunday. A trade involving Pressly was in place as of Sunday afternoon,

Astros trade Ryan Pressly to Cubs, clearing the way for a potential Alex Bregman reunion as they look to extend his contract.

Houston general manger Dana Brown says discussions about possible reunion with free agent Alex Bregman have been mostly 'internal.'

The Red Sox continue to be engaged with free-agent infielder Alex Bregman, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. There is a caveat to Boston's interest, however, as the Red Sox would prefer any agreement to be of the short-term variety -- meaning,

With Bregman weighing his options, the Astros could look to target a less expensive player in Polanco who is coming off knee surgery.

The Houston Astros might be one of the most important clubs to monitor as the offseason rolls along as they have been linked to two significant moves that could shape the open market.

The first few teams that come up in mind when talking about Alex Bregman's free agency are the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers.

On Payne & Pendergast, Seth and Sean discuss what’s behind the Astros trading Pressly to the Cubs and where the Astros are with Alex Bregman.

The Cubs’ work this offseason isn’t done yet after their acquisition of reliever Ryan Pressly in a recent trade with the Astros. They’ve still been in contact with free agent third baseman Alex Bregman and are looking for more bullpen help.