The Astros-Ryan Pre sly divorce may have been in the works since last winter. Houston general manager Dana Brown admitted Tuesday that his relationship with the closer took a slightly different turn when the franchise signed Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract a year ago, pushing Pre sly into a setup man role. Any time you take a major-league player out of a role where they feel comfortable, its going to fracture your relationship some, Brown said, . I think we continued to communicate. He was a true profe sional and I kept it real as a true profe sional myself. Ultimately, I wouldnt say (the relationship) was the same as (when) we first met, but I think there was some frustration, which I totally understand from a competitor. Ryan Pre sly is now a Chicago Cub. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Discontent between the pair lingered throughout the year, sources told the Nahe Sulunga Jersey outlet, although Pre sly never spoke out or went public with his frustrations. Pre sly was after a days-long standoff while the pitcher initially refused to waive his no-trade clause. Explore More The Astros sent $5.5 million to Chicago to help cover his $14 million salary, receiving right-handed pitching prospect Juan Bello in return. In 2024, Pre sly recorded a 3.49 ERA in 59 outings. Acro s six-plus seasons in Houston, he posted a 2.81 ERA with 111 saves and 11.1 strikeouts-per-nine-innings, making two All-Star teams and playing a big role out of the bullpen to help the Astros win the 2022 World Series. Astros General Manager Dana Brown, right, and new player Christian Walker pose for a photograph during a pre s conference Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at Minute Maid Park i AP Pre sly will likely return to the closer role in Chicago, which as a team blew 26 saves last year. Pre sly has been a true profe sional. He accepted the role even though he felt like he still could close, Brown said. Tuesday. I know hes going to get the opportunity to close in Chicago. Cody Shear Jersey