Padres Strike First in MLB Free Agency, Sign Ryan Weiss to One-Year Deal

Right-hander Ryan Weiss has become the first major league free agent to secure a new contract this offseason, agreeing to a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres. The Padres made the announcement on Tuesday, revealing that the contract also includes a team option for the 2028 season.

Weiss, who turned 29, made his major league debut on March 27 and compiled an 0-3 record with a 7.62 ERA in two starts and seven relief outings for the Houston Astros last season. He was later optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on May 5, then assigned outright to the Space Cowboys on June 17, and eventually became a free agent after the World Series.

At the Triple-A level, Weiss posted a 5-5 record with a 5.42 ERA in 13 starts and nine relief appearances. However, he finished the season on a high note, recording a 1.37 ERA over his final four games and 19 2/3 innings. Prior to his time with the Astros, Weiss signed a $2.6 million, one-year contract with Houston last December 9 after spending part of 2024 and all of 2025 with the Hanwha Eagles in South Korea.

Key Analysis

Weiss's signing marks the first official move of the MLB free agency period, as he was among 183 players eligible for free agency. The Padres are betting on his late-season form and versatility as both a starter and reliever. The team option for 2028 provides San Diego with long-term flexibility, while Weiss gets an opportunity to establish himself in the majors after a challenging debut season.

Originally reported by yourvalley_net.