Astros Strengthen Rotation with Ryan Weiss Signing

The Houston Astros have signed right-handed pitcher Ryan Weiss to a one-year contract valued at $2.6 million, according to ESPN. This contract includes an option for the 2027 season that could potentially increase Weiss's earnings to over $10 million over two years.

Weiss, 28 years old, had a standout season in the Korea Baseball Organization, where he posted a record of 16 wins and 5 losses with a 2.87 ERA in 30 starts. His impressive performance attracted interest from multiple MLB teams this offseason.

Weiss, who was initially drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018, spent time in the Independent League before joining the Hanwha Eagles in the KBO. The Astros are looking to add depth to their pitching rotation, especially after the loss of ace Framber Valdez to free agency, leaving them in need of reliable starters to support Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier in the rotation.

Weiss’s pitching arsenal includes a fastball, curveball, and changeup, with a newly developed kick change that has caught the attention of MLB scouts. The Astros are in a challenging position as they navigate potential roster changes and the financial implications of player signings.

Alongside Weiss, the Astros are also exploring other options to bolster their pitching staff, including former top prospect Nate Pearson and potential trades to acquire a mid-rotation pitcher. However, the team faces constraints with a weak farm system and limited flexibility under the luxury tax threshold, complicating their efforts to enhance the rotation significantly.

Reports indicate that the Astros are open to trading standout defensive center fielder Jake Meyers, who had a career-best season at the plate, as they seek to address their pitching needs without exceeding budgetary limits.

General manager Dana Brown has acknowledged the need to explore trade options, particularly for players like Meyers and Jesus Sanchez, who could provide some room for maneuvering in the offseason. As the offseason progresses, the Astros will continue to assess their roster and make decisions aimed at maintaining competitiveness in a league where they have already lost key players to free agency, highlighting the importance of Weiss's signing in reinforcing their pitching depth.

Weiss is set to make his Major League Baseball debut next season, marking a significant milestone in his career after his successful stint in Korea, further underscoring the Astros' commitment to developing talent and enhancing their rotation amidst ongoing roster changes.