Chicago Cubs officially release former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher

The former top prospect had been DFA'd on Saturday, after having pitched to a 9.20 ERA in 14 2/3 innings this season with the North siders.

While Big Nate has always shown flashes of success and raw power, he has struggled to find any form of long-term consistency in the bigs.

After being drafted 28th overall by he Blue Jays in 2018, Pearson made his debut in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Coincidentally, his pitching opponent that day was current Toronto starter Max Scherzer.

While Pearson has struggled in the majors this year, he has found success in the minors. In 38 appearances with the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate in Iowa, Pearson pitched to a 2.22 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings. While his walk total was less than ideal, his ability to strike batters out and his high velocity would be appealing to many teams.

At one time, Pearson was considered Toronto's next pitching phenom, however he never got it going and the club eventually dealt him to Chicago for outfielder Yohendrick Pinango and shortstop Josh Rivera.

At 28, Pearson is still young enough to catch on with a team and resurrect his career. While he has the stuff to become a valuable member of any pitching staff, he needs to find more consistency on the mound.

In parts of four seasons with Toronto, Pearson went 7-4 with a 5.21 ERA.