Astros’ first offseason move has Cubs fans flashing back to a disaster

One of the first moves of the Major League Baseball involves a relief pitcher that Chicago Cubs fans wish they could forget. Being that Nate Pearson was released by the Cubs before the end of the regular season, he was one of a handful of free agents who could sign at any point this winter. On Friday, Pearson inked a one-year deal with the Houston Astros.

When the Cubs traded for Pearson ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline, it was clear to see why Jed Hoyer made the gamble. A former first-round pick with the Toronto Blue Jays, Pearson was armed with a fastball that could reach triple digits, and if his command issues could be solved, would have been an ideal arm for the team to have at the backend of their bullpen.

The initial returns on Pearson with the Cubs were impressive. In 19 appearances with the Cubs to close out the 2024 season, Pearson had an ERA of 2.73 while striking out 22.3% of the hitters he faced and only walking 3.9%.

Unfortunately, Pearson couldn't replicate that success in 2025. Serving as an up-and-down arm for the Cubs last season, Pearson was getting yakatowed all over Wrigley Field, posting an ERA of 9.20 in 11 appearances. Pearson had a pair of clunkers this season that defined the failed gamble for the Cubs, including a 3-run outing against the Padres in April, where he failed to make it even an inning, and a 5-run outing against the Seattle Mariners in June

Cubs fans already know how this Astros move is going to end

Considering the struggles that Pearson had with the Cubs and has had in the Major Leagues since debuting in 2020, it's somewhat of a surprise that the Astros raced out to give him a Major League deal this offseason. Especially one where they are paying him $1.35MM. The Astros do have a history of fixing broken pitches, so perhaps they will end up getting the last laugh.

Nonetheless, Friday's move is a reminder that the Cubs may have a small signing or two up their sleeve before the Hot Stove truly gets warm. Similar to when the Cubs claimed Wade Miley off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds to open the 2021 offseason.