Astros Add Bounce-Back Arm: Sign Nate Pearson to One-Year Deal

The Houston Astros have agreed to terms with right-hander Nate Pearson on a one-year, $1.35 million contract, according to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome. The club reportedly plans to deploy him in a starter’s role in the upcoming season.

Pearson, a towering 6′6″, 255-lb righty, was selected 28th overall by the Blue Jays in 2017.  Over parts of four major league seasons (2020–2025), he has compiled a record of 9–6, a 5.17 ERA, with 160 strikeouts in 156.2 innings, and a career WHIP around 1.45.  Most recently in 2025, Pearson appeared in 11 games, logging a 0–1 record, a 9.20 ERA, 7 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 2.18 over 14.2 innings.

His MLB journey has been marred by injury and inconsistency. He missed the entire 2022 season due to mononucleosis and a lat strain, and has struggled to find sustained success at the big-league level.  Still, his raw stuff—namely his size, velocity, and earlier prospect pedigree—offers the Astros a low-cost, high-reward gamble.

Houston’s rotation has taken its share of hits lately, making depth a priority. With veterans sidelined due to injury and younger arms still establishing themselves, Pearson presents a potential reclamation project. If he can rediscover strikeout command and stay healthy, he could slot in as a mid-rotation option or swingman.

For now, Pearson’s signing is less about immediate upside and more about upside potential: a modest investment with controlled risk. Over the next few months, all eyes will be on whether Houston’s coaching staff can unlock consistency from a once-hyped arm.