The Astros have traded right-hander Nate Pearson to the Royals in a deal that also involves minor league righty Max Martin. Pearson, once considered one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, has struggled with injuries and has been used exclusively in relief for the Astros this season. The trade gives the Royals a power arm and the Astros a minor leaguer with strong results up through High-A, while also providing some financial relief for Houston's payroll. The Astros are trimming a bit of money from their CBT payroll by moving Pearson, who was designated for assignment over the weekend. This move gives Houston GM Dana Brown a bit more breathing room as they approach the luxury tax threshold, which owner Jim Crane typically prefers to avoid. The Royals, with the third-slowest average fastball out of their bullpen this year, are likely looking to add a power arm to their relief corps. Pearson, despite his struggles, still averages a blazing 97.7 mph on his four-seamer and has a 3.60 ERA in 20 innings out of the Houston 'pen. The trade also marks a change in direction for Pearson, who has never topped 66 1/3 innings in a big league season and has only 176 2/3 major league frames overall. The Astros are acquiring Martin, a pure bullpen prospect who has split the season between Low-A and High-A, pitching well at both stops. The 22-year-old has a 2.01 ERA with roughly average strikeout and walk rates, as well as a huge 57% ground-ball rate. While Martin didn't crack Kansas City's top 30 prospects, the Astros are still getting a promising minor leaguer in exchange for a righty they'd already designated for assignment. This trade is a strategic move for both teams, with the Royals adding a power arm and the Astros trimming their payroll and acquiring a promising young pitcher.
