Astros Sign Nate Pearson to One-Year Reclamation Deal

The Houston Astros agreed to a one-year, $1.35 million contract with right-hander Nate Pearson, pending a physical, that includes incentives which could raise his pay. Houston plans to try Pearson as a starter as a reclamation signing aimed at bolstering their rotation this offseason. Pearson, 29, was the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2017 first-round pick and profiles as a high-upside arm thanks to a 97.6 mph four-seam fastball and above-average extension. His big-league résumé is uneven — a 5.17 career ERA, limited innings and an injury history that includes lat and hernia issues — and he was released by the Chicago Cubs in September 2025 after 11 MLB appearances that season despite a strong Triple-A showing (2.22 ERA). The Astros are betting their pitching-development track record can convert Pearson’s raw stuff into a sustained starting role.