The San Francisco Giants made a significant addition to their starting rotation, agreeing to a two-year, $22 million contract with right-hander Adrian Houser, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal also includes a club option for a third season.

Houser, who will turn 33 in February, is coming off one of the more effective seasons of his career. Splitting time between the White Sox and Rays, he posted an 8-5 record with a  3.33 ERA across 21 starts, establishing himself as a reliable innings-eater capable of stabilizing the middle of a rotation.

While his strikeout rate remained modest at roughly 18 percent, Houser offset that limitation by limiting damage and pitching efficiently, often working deep enough into games to keep bullpens fresh.

One of the more intriguing aspects of Houser’s 2025 season was a noticeable uptick in velocity. After spending much of his career relying on sinkers and movement rather than pure power, Houser showed improved arm strength that allowed his arsenal to play up.

That velocity bump may have helped him miss more barrels, even if it didn’t translate into a dramatic spike in strikeouts. For a Giants pitching staff that places a premium on contact management, Houser’s profile fits cleanly.

From a contract standpoint, the annual value of the deal aligns with what mid-rotation starters have received in recent offseasons. The somewhat surprising element is the second guaranteed year, given Houser’s age and the fact that he has rarely posted standout seasons over a full campaign.

Prior to last year, Houser had largely been viewed as a back-end starter or swingman, capable but not flashy. Still, the Giants appear to be buying into the idea that his recent improvements are sustainable rather than a one-year anomaly.

Houser now slots into a rotation headlined by Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, giving San Francisco a blend of durability and experience at the top. Webb remains the staff ace, while Ray brings high-upside swing-and-miss stuff when healthy.

Houser adds a different look — a veteran presence who can take the ball every fifth day and limit volatility. Even with his addition, however, the Giants may not be finished. The rotation still lacks depth behind its top arms, and another veteran starter could be in play to guard against injuries and workload concerns.

The optional third year also speaks to the Giants’ broader roster-building philosophy. Rather than committing long-term deals to pitchers entering their mid-30s, San Francisco has favored shorter contracts with built-in escape hatches.

If Houser continues to pitch effectively, the option provides continuity. If not, the team isn’t locked into an extended commitment.

Ultimately, this signing reflects a calculated bet. Houser may not project as a frontline starter, but his recent performance, durability, and evolving stuff make him a reasonable addition at this price point.

For a Giants club looking to remain competitive while maintaining payroll flexibility, Houser represents a steady, if unspectacular, piece — one that helps solidify the rotation while leaving room for further moves.

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