Chicago Cubs Make Surprising Move Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
The Chicago Cubs, who have declared themselves sellers ahead of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline, have made an unexpected move by adding rather than subtracting from their roster. The Cubs have acquired right-handed reliever Nate Pearson from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray and first reported by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
Pearson, 27, has appeared in 41 games (40 innings) for the Blue Jays this season, posting a 5.63 ERA and 1.550 WHIP with 51 strikeouts. A first-round pick in 2017, Pearson has faced numerous challenges in Toronto and is in need of a fresh start, which the Cubs hope to provide.
Cubs Bet on Upside with Nate Pearson Ahead of Trade Deadline
In exchange, the Cubs are sending their No. 23 prospect, Josh Rivera, and their No. 29 prospect, Yohendrick Pinango, to Toronto. Pinango will need to be added to the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster this winter to avoid the Rule Five draft, as noted by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel.
For Toronto, the trade brings in two Double-A position prospects in exchange for a reliever who has struggled to meet expectations since debuting in 2020. Pearson’s fastball, which can reach triple digits, ranks in the 95th percentile for velocity and the 84th percentile for strikeout rate (28.0%), according to Baseball Savant. Despite his high velocity, Pearson has struggled with consistency, often allowing explosive hits and struggling to maintain control in innings.
For the Cubs, this trade represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity, hoping Pearson will thrive in a new environment and provide additional bullpen depth ahead of potential sell-offs by Jed Hoyer to restock the farm system. From Toronto’s perspective, it offers a chance to move on from Pearson while gaining potential depth at positions of need.
Trade Grades: Cubs Take a Chance on Pearson, Blue Jays Reset
This trade has potential benefits for both sides. The Blue Jays gain two top-30 prospects for a reliever who has underperformed, earning them a B+ grade. Meanwhile, the Cubs get a potential high-upside reliever, warranting a C+ grade. For Pearson, a fresh start under Craig Counsell’s management could be exactly what he needs.