MLB Signing News: Astros Sign Former Blue Jays Top Prospect

He was a first-round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, and the Toronto Blue Jays' top prospect for two years (2020, 2021). But Nate Pearson never came close to realizing that promising potential. After years of injuries and underperformance, the Jays finally unloaded him on the Chicago Cubs in a trade in 2024. And while he put together a nice 26 innings for them (2.73 ERA) that year, he imploded big-time in 2025.

Pearson posted a 9.20 ERA in 14 innings for the Cubbies this season and was released in September. He walked far more batters than he struck out, with 6.1 BB/9, and only 4.3 K/9.

The Houston Astros, however, are hoping that, at 29 years old, they can unlock that unrealized potential in Pearson. They have made him their first signing of their offseason, with a one-year, $1.35 million contract. 

The Astros are in agreement with right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson on a one-year, $1.35 million contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 17, 2025

Pearson did quite well at Triple-A this year, where he spent most of his time, appearing in 38 games for Iowa out of the bullpen, pitching 44.2 innings and compiling a 2.22 ERA with 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings. But he didn't have the walks completely under control, as he issued 4.8 free passes per nine. 

Over parts of five seasons, in 123 big league games, Pearson is 9-6 with a 5.17 ERA. He's started six of those games. But surprisingly, according to Astros beat writer Chandler Rome, Houston will try to turn him back into a starting pitcher. He's only started three times—in the majors and minors combined—over the last four seasons. 

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