Nate Pearson Signs One-Year MLB Deal with Astros, Eyes Rotation Competition

Right-hander Nate Pearson, a former Blue Jays first-round pick, has officially signed a one-year Major League contract with the Houston Astros for $1.35 million. The 29-year-old, who stands 6-foot-6 and boasts a 97.6 mph fastball, was released by the Cubs on September 21st. This past season, Pearson split time between Triple-A Iowa, where he recorded a 2.22 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings, and 11 relief appearances with the Cubs, posting a 9.20 ERA. He will report to Spring Training competing for a spot in Houston's rotation, though a relief role is also a possibility. Pearson's MLB career spans parts of five seasons with the Blue Jays and Cubs, holding a 5.17 ERA across 123 games and 160 strikeouts in 156 2/3 innings.