Astros Ink Former Top Prospect Pearson to One-Year Deal
The Houston Astros have added some much-needed pitching depth, signing right-hander Nate Pearson to a one-year, $1.35 million contract. Pearson, once considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, will have the opportunity to crack the Astros' starting rotation in 2023.
High Upside, Injury Concerns
Pearson, a 2017 first-round draft pick, has struggled with injuries throughout his professional career. He made just four starts at the MLB level with the Blue Jays in 2020 before being sidelined. The hard-throwing 26-year-old will look to get his career back on track in Houston, where he'll join a rotation that lost some key pieces this offseason.
Rotation Competition Heats Up
With the departure of ace Framber Valdez still a possibility, the Astros' rotation is wide open heading into 2023. Pearson will compete with the likes of Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, and potentially top prospect Spencer Arrighetti for starting spots. The Astros are clearly hoping Pearson can regain the form that once made him one of baseball's most promising young arms.
Astros Offseason Continues
This move represents the first major roster addition of the offseason for the Astros, who are looking to reload after winning their second World Series title in franchise history. With several key players potentially hitting free agency, Houston GM Dana Brown has his work cut out for him in the coming months to put together a roster capable of defending their championship.
TL;DR
- The Houston Astros have signed right-hander Nate Pearson to a one-year, $1.35 million contract.
- Pearson was once a top pitching prospect but has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
- He'll compete for a spot in the Astros' starting rotation, which has several openings after the potential departures of Framber Valdez and others.
- This is the first major offseason move for the Astros as they look to reload their roster and defend their 2022 World Series title.