Cubs' Pressly: Waiving NTC 'one of the hardest decisions'

Ryan Pressly said it was difficult for him to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a move to the Chicago Cubs after spending seven years with the Houston Astros.

"It was tough to make this decision, probably one of the hardest decisions I've ever made," Pressly said Wednesday, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. "But playing in Chicago has always been a dream of mine, and I'm excited to get out there and put on a Cubs uniform."

The former All-Star closer's wife is from Houston and his kids were born there, which made the decision even harder.

"It's hard to leave your home," Pressly added. "But an opportunity to go play for the Cubs came about. It was one of these opportunities that I don't feel like comes around very often. It was a great opportunity, so I'm just excited that the Cubs wanted me there."

Pressly, who owns 112 career saves, said the Cubs will give him an opportunity to work the ninth inning again after he lost his closing job with the Astros to Josh Hader last season.

"Porter Hodge was closing (for Chicago at the end of last season). He had an unbelievable year. He put up great numbers," the 36-year-old said. "I think we're going to be a pretty dynamic duo in the back end of the bullpen. I'm going to go into camp competing for that ninth-inning role."

Astros general manager Dana Brown acknowledged Tuesday that his relationship with Pressly was fractured following the Hader signing.