The Houston Astros made another addition to their pitching staff on Tuesday, signing right‑handed pitcher Ryan Weiss to a one‑year major‑league contract (pending a physical), reportedly worth $2.6 million. Weiss, 28, spent the past two seasons pitching in Korea for the Hanwha Eagles, where he revitalized his career with strong performances. In 2025, he went 16–5 with a 2.87 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and struck out 207 batters over 178⅔ innings, per KBO.
Originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in 2018 out of Wright State, Weiss has made 132 minor-league appearances between Arizona and Kansas City, including time in Triple-A from 2021 to 2023, and he pitched in China for the Fubon Guardians in 2023. His minor-league stats are not attention-grabbing numbers, but he clearly leveled up overseas, enough to get the Astros’ attention.
Houston’s rotation is still very much in flux. Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier are expected to headline the staff, and Spencer Arrighetti is expected to be healthy and ready to start the 2026 season. Weiss joins a group that includes Lance McCullers Jr., Colton Gordon, Jason Alexander, and AJ Blubaugh and J.P. France, who are both set to participate in spring camp. Even with all of that, the Astros are still looking for one more starter.
Houston has been aggressive with pitching this offseason, already signing Nate Pearson in October. Adding Weiss gives them depth and another arm who could surprise people if his KBO success carries over to the States.