Astros Trade Nate Pearson To Royals - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Kansas City Royals acquired right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson from the Houston Astros on Wednesday, July 22, in a deal that sends minor league right-hander Max Martin to Houston. The Royals also designated outfielder Kameron Misner for assignment to open a roster spot for Pearson, who had been designated for assignment by the Astros over the weekend.

Pearson, 29, was formerly one of baseball’s highest-rated pitching prospects after being drafted in the first round by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017. His career has been slowed by injuries, and he has shifted into a bullpen role after stints with Toronto, the Chicago Cubs and Houston. MLB Trade Rumors noted that Pearson has a career 4.99 ERA over 176 2/3 major league innings, with a 22.6% strikeout rate and an 11.1% walk rate.

Houston had signed Pearson to a one-year, $1.35 million contract last offseason, initially with the possibility of stretching him out as a starter. Instead, after roster additions and an offseason elbow procedure, he worked only in relief for the Astros, posting a 3.60 ERA across 20 innings while continuing to throw a fastball averaging 97.7 mph. Kansas City adds a hard-throwing arm who remains controllable through 2027 via arbitration.

Martin, 22, was Kansas City’s 10th-round pick in 2025 out of UC Irvine. MLB Trade Rumors described him as a bullpen prospect who has pitched in Low-A and High-A this season, recording a 2.01 ERA over 40 1/3 innings. The move gives Houston a younger relief prospect while also trimming a small amount from its payroll and luxury-tax calculation.