The past seven months have been a dramatic turnaround for pitcher Adrian Houser, culminating in a significant contract with the San Francisco Giants. His journey from being released by the Texas Rangers to securing a two-year deal worth $22 million, with a team option for 2028, highlights a remarkable resurgence in his career.
A Stellar Stint with the White Sox
Houser’s resurgence began after he was released from a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers on May 15th. Just five days later, he inked a contract with the Chicago White Sox. In Chicago, Houser proved to be a revelation. He pitched 68.2 innings, boasting an impressive 2.10 earned run average (ERA) and a 1.223 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP). During this period, he demonstrated his ability to miss bats, striking out 47 batters while issuing 22 walks. This strong performance in Chicago made him a highly sought-after asset as the trade deadline approached, ultimately leading to his acquisition by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Navigating Tampa Bay and Securing a Lucrative Deal
While Houser’s performance in Tampa Bay didn’t quite match the heights he reached in Chicago, his overall revitalized season paved the way for an unexpected financial windfall. ESPN’s insider Jeff Passan reported that Houser and the San Francisco Giants have reached an agreement on a two-year contract valued at $22 million, which includes a crucial team option for the 2028 season. This deal represents a significant vote of confidence in Houser’s ability to contribute to a major league rotation.
A Solid Presence in Milwaukee
Prior to his recent struggles and subsequent comeback, Houser had established himself as a dependable, if not flashy, member of the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff. From 2021 to 2023, he was a consistent presence in the back end of their rotation. Over 356.1 innings pitched during this span, he recorded a 3.94 ERA and a 1.367 WHIP. He showcased his strikeout potential with 270 punchouts, though he also issued 145 walks.
The Mets’ Struggles and a Period of Uncertainty
Everything took a downturn for Houser when he was traded to the New York Mets during the 2023-24 offseason. His tenure with the Mets was challenging, as he struggled to a 5.84 ERA and a 1.529 WHIP over 69.1 innings. The Mets eventually released him on July 31st. Following his release, Houser signed minor league deals with both the Chicago Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles, but he was unable to secure a return to the major leagues with either organization. This period left him on the fringes of professional baseball, making his subsequent contract with the Giants all the more remarkable.
Slotting into the Giants’ Rotation
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Adrian Houser is expected to fill a role in the back of the San Francisco Giants’ starting rotation. The Giants boast a strong top-of-the-rotation duo in Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp has shown promising flashes of potential. Houser’s addition should provide a stable and experienced arm to follow this group. This outcome is particularly surprising given his situation just seven months prior, when he was considered to be on the “scrap heap” of professional baseball. His journey serves as a testament to perseverance and the unpredictable nature of the sport.
