3 arbitration-eligible Cubs who will definitely be back with the team in 2025

Nate Pearson showed signs of figuring things out with the Cubs

Control has always been the issue for former top prospect Nate Pearson and after coming to the Cubs in a trade deadline move, he more than halved his walk rate, offering hope that he could still establish himself as a formidable presence.

Poised to earn just $1.4 million in arbitration, Pearson is still inexpensive, and, given the Cubs came off prospects to add him, there's no chance Jed Hoyer is ready to throw in the towel on him. He made 19 appearances down the stretch, working to a sub-1.000 WHIP and 2.73 ERA, showcasing his overpowering arsenal out of the pen.

Expect Pearson, along with guys like Cade Horton, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks, to play roles in the bullpen next year. If Hoyer can add some established veterans into that mix and Porter Hodge backs up his breakout showing, the bullpen could be a major strength for the team in 2025.