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, in a move that could in turn increase the Astros’ chances of a reunion with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.

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

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

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

The Houston Astros recently made a blockbuster trade to ship Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs, which could be the key to an Alex Bregman reunion.

Astros GM Dana Brown admitted his relationship with Ryan Pressly suffered over the last year before Houston traded him to the Cubs.

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 Ryan Pressly trade moves the Astros under the threshold for the competitive balance tax and possibly in position for another deal.

The Chicago Cubs finally made a big-time addition to their bullpen, acquiring Ryan Pressly and cash considerations from the Houston Astros on Sunday.

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,