Astros add pitching prospect in trading Pearson to Royals

The Astros acquired right-handed pitching prospect Max Martin from the Royals in exchange for righty Nate Pearson on Wednesday. Pearson had been designated for assignment by the Astros on Sunday.

Martin, 22, has posted a 6-2 record with a 2.01 ERA (9 ER, 40 1/3 IP) in 26 relief appearances at Single-A Columbia and High-A Quad Cities in the Royals organization this season. Martin was a 10th-round pick by the Royals in the 2025 Draft.