The search for pitching depth continues. According to Astros beat reporter Chandler Rome, the Royals have acquired pitcher Nate Pearson from Houston. Royals beat reporter Anne Rogers reports the compensation is minor league pitcher Max Martin. The Astros designated Pearson for assignment last week after he appeared in 16 games in the bullpen with a 3.60 ERA and 16 strikeouts and 12 walks in 20 innings.
Pearson is a 29-year-old right-hander who has pitched parts of six seasons in the big leagues with
the Blue Jays, Cubs, and Astros. He was originally a first round pick by Toronto and a top 100 prospect, but struggled to break through withe organization. He made 60 appearances out of the bullpen in 2024, but was traded midseason to the Cubs. He finished the year with 74 strikeouts in 66.1 innings, although with a 4.48 ERA. The Cubs let him go after last year, and he signed a $1.35 million deal with the Astros.
Pearson has some good velocity, runninng a four-searmer at 98 mph, with a slider, curve, and sinker. Martin was a tenth round pick out of UC-Irvine in 2025, and had appeared in 26 games over Low-A and High-A. The 22-year-old right-hander hadh a 2.01 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 40.1 innings.
