At the 2017 MLB Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays were eager to land a first-round draft pick who they foresaw as someone who could one day be an anchor on the roster. With the 28th overall pick in the draft, the Blue Jays selected right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson. While Pearson struggled in his first big league stint he still contributed to the Blue Jays making the postseason that year. Pearson became expendable by the Blue Jays who were in the middle of a losing season. He had pitched to a 5.63 ERA in 40 innings with the Blue Jays, but bounced back for the Cubs with a 2.73 ERA in 26 innings.