Goins was not released, he was non-tendered, saving $1.8M.
No one in his right mind is going to sign Goins to a MLB contract for a guaranteed $1.8M when there are numerous similar options available for less.
Pearson has 20 pro innings under his belt. I can't see them being so aggressive he makes AAA this year. He is advanced, but I don't doubt there is a lot of work to be done refining his pitch arsenal. Also need to see how he fares multiple times facing the same team.