Today, the Houston Astros announced they have traded reliever Nate Pearson to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for righthanded pitching prospect Max Martin.
Martin, 22, has posted a 6-2 record with a 2.01 ERA in 26 relief appearances across two levels of Class A ball in the Royals system this season. Martin was a 10th round pick by Kansas City in the 2025 draft.
Pearson, 29, has made 16 appearances for the Astros this season. He is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. Pearson was one of the hardest
throwers in the Astros pen, able to hit 98 MPH with his fastball. Command has been an issue for Pearson, who has walked 12 batters in 20 innings this season to go with 16 strikeouts.
The Astros clear a roster spot on both the 26-man and 40-man roster with the move.
SP Hayden Wesneski is scheduled to make one more rehab start before being activated, and now his pathway back to the roster is clearer.
