Overview
- San Francisco finalized a two-year, $22 million contract with a 2028 club option, projecting Houser as a fourth or fifth starter.
- GM Zack Minasian pointed to a roughly 2-mph velocity jump from PitchingWRX adjustments—greater backside engagement and a freer arm path—as central to the decision.
- Houser logged a 3.31 ERA over 21 starts in 2025, highlighted by a 2.10 ERA in 11 starts with the White Sox before a 4.79 ERA across 10 starts for the Rays.
- A slider grip change in Tampa Bay increased the pitch’s velocity—averaging 90.5 mph in one start—and pushed its usage above 28% in his final outings.
- The Giants expect his sinkerball approach to play with Matt Chapman and Willy Adames on the infield and Gold Glove catcher Patrick Bailey, and they continue to evaluate further rotation additions.