Toronto Blue Jays Trade Nate Pearson to Chicago Cubs

In a significant move, the Toronto Blue Jays have traded right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for two minor league players, shortstop Josh Rivera and outfielder Yohendrick Pinango. This trade marks the second transaction for the Blue Jays in just two days, as they continue to reshape their roster ahead of the upcoming season. Nate Pearson, 27, was Toronto's first-round pick in 2017 and has had a mixed career with a record of 7-4 and a 5.21 ERA over 93 appearances, including five starts. In his four seasons with the Blue Jays, he has accumulated 130 strikeouts and 60 walks across 115 2/3 innings. The team’s decision to trade Pearson reflects their strategy to bolster their minor league system while addressing current roster needs. Josh Rivera, 23, who was Chicago's third-round pick in 2023, has struggled at the plate, posting a .169 batting average with four home runs and 16 RBIs in 68 games at Double-A. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Yohendrick Pinango, a left-handed hitter from Venezuela, has shown more promise, hitting .263 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs in 84 games across Class-A and Double-A this season. Additionally, the Blue Jays have recalled right-hander Ryan Burr from Triple-A Buffalo and placed right-hander Jordan Romano on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow issue, further indicating their ongoing roster adjustments.