Sports · Baseball · 3 hrs ago
Houston declines Ryan Weiss's option, making him a free agent
Houston declined Ryan Weiss's 2027 contract option, making the pitcher a free agent.
He received a $500,000 buyout instead of the option's $5 million salary.
Weiss struggled in his first MLB season, posting a 7.62 earned-run average in nine games and 26 innings for the Astros.
He also struggled in Triple-A, where he had a 5.42 ERA over 76⅓ innings.
He previously excelled with South Korea's Hanwha Eagles, winning 16 games with a 2.87 ERA in 2025.
That season helped him earn a contract with Houston and return to Major League Baseball.
A return to the KBO is one possible next step, as analysts say he may get only a minor-league offer in North America; no new team has been announced.
The Houston Astros declined Ryan Weiss’s $5 million option for the 2027 season, making the pitcher a free agent.
Weiss is due a $500,000 buyout under the terms of his contract.
He posted a 7.62 earned-run average over 26 innings in nine major-league appearances this season.
He also struggled in Triple-A, recording a 5.42 ERA over 76⅓ innings.
Weiss had success with South Korea’s Hanwha Eagles, including a 16-win season in 2025, and a return to the KBO League is possible.
- Who
- The Houston Astros declined the option for pitcher Ryan Weiss.
- What
- Weiss became a free agent and is due a $500,000 buyout.
- When
- The decision was reported on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Houston, Texas; Weiss is now eligible to seek opportunities elsewhere.
- Why
- The sources point to his struggles in the major leagues and Triple-A.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Weiss joined the Hanwha Eagles as a temporary replacement and later secured a full contract.
He went 16-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 30 starts for Hanwha.
Weiss signed with Houston to return to Major League Baseball.
Houston removed Weiss from its 40-man roster, according to 뉴시스.
Houston declined Weiss’s $5 million option for 2027, and he became a free agent.
- 2027 option
- $5 million
- Buyout
- $500,000
- Major-league record this season
- 26 innings in 9 games; 7.62 ERA
- Triple-A performance
- 76⅓ innings; 5.42 ERA
- Hanwha record in 2025
- 16 wins, 5 losses; 2.87 ERA
3 sources
What people are saying
If he stays in North America, he is likely to receive only a minor-league contract.
If he is given another chance to pitch overseas, he would want to choose that.