4 Cubs who drastically exceeded expectations in 2024

4: Nate Pearson proved to be a big trade deadline acquisition, living up to his potential in the Cubs bullpen

Hoyer was clear that the moves he made at this year's trade deadline were focused on 2025 and beyond. The pick-ups of Isaac Paredes and Nate Pearson fit the bill, with both players under team control for several more years.

The expectations were, at least initially, higher for Paredes - but it was Pearson who really turned some heads. He appeared to work out some of the control issues that had plagued him since the Blue Jays drafted him in the first round back in 2017, cutting his walk rate to 1.4 BB/9, well below his career mark of 4.1 BB/9.

He brought some much-needed firepower to the Cubs pen, averaging just under 98 MPH on his fastball, placing him in the 96th percentile. In 19 appearances following the trade, Pearson worked to a 2.73 ERA and 0.987 WHIP - and he heads into the offseason with a chance to really solidify himself as a key member of this pitching staff next year.