Cubs pitching staff reunion tour could now include suddenly available Astros arm

The Chicago Cubs took some lengths to fortify their depleted pitching staff over the weekend, reuniting with 2025 cult hero Aaron Civale in a minor trade with the Athletics. In conjunction with the expected return of Jameson Taillon this week, Craig Counsell may actually be able to field an entire starting five for seemingly the first time in months.

Of course, that move came mere weeks after they re-added Drew Pomeranz to the fold, who also walked in free agency after a tremendous 2025 season in Chicago. The veteran southpaw hasn't had the easiest time in his comeback effort - he's got a 7.94 ERA and 9.45 FIP in six appearances with the Cubs this year - but bringing him back was a sensible decision at the time. The lefty was designated for assignment ahead of Monday's game against Detroit.

But those efforts shouldn't end with just him and Civale. Another former Cubs pitcher has been made available by an AL West squad, this time in the form of Nate Pearson's designation for assignment by the Houston Astros. Would it really hurt to give him another chance in Chicago?

Cubs should continue 2025 encore by reuniting with Nate Pearson

Fans will remember the Cubs' original 2024 trade deadline deal for Pearson, surrendering top-30 prospects Yohendrick Piñango and Josh Rivera for the hard-throwing reliever. While that deal didn't age gracefully (Piñango has debuted this year to a 103 wRC+ with the Blue Jays), Pearson did at least show off his big potential down the stretch, logging a 2.73 ERA in 26 1/3 innings in Chicago.

However, he completely fell apart in 2025, walking more hitters than he struck out while posting a 9.20 ERA in limited duty. He spent most of the season in Iowa (where he produced strong numbers) before being released just prior to the playoffs.

The 29-year-old made some nice gains with the Astros this year, limiting home runs and posting some of the best batted-ball metrics (i.e., exit velocities and hard-hit rate) in the majors. Perhaps most importantly, his velocity remains a big weapon, as his four-seam fastball is averaging just under 98 MPH in 2026.

Obviously, he's still got red flags like his huge walk total or a surprising inability to generate whiffs, hence why he's suddenly available despite Houston's need for relief help. But the Cubs are as desperate for pitching as any team in baseball, and they're clearly not shy about continuing their work with pitchers they're already familiar with. In the midst of a ridiculously tight race for a playoff spot, it wouldn't hurt to give Pearson another chance before deciding on priorities before the trade deadline, even if it means having to cut bait with Pomeranz in the process.

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