The Chicago Cubs could shock the baseball world by trading away a starting pitcher most assumed would be an anchor in the team’s starting rotation.
At least, that’s what some media analysts believe could– and should– happen.
These observers believe that veteran starter Jameson Taillon might be playing for another team by the start of the season as the Cubs organization streamlines, cuts spending, and enters into a youth initiative.
Trading Jameson Taillon
The 33-year-old, 8-year veteran came to Chicago via free agency in 2023, with Chicago hoping he’d be the kind of veteran influence on a young pitching staff that Jon Lester was to the World Series Cubs.
Taillon struggled in his first year in Chicago, though, posting an 8-10 record with a 4.84 ERA through fits of injury. 2024 was a bounce back year for the former Yankee and Pirate, as he turned things around with a 12-8 record and 3.27 ERA in 165.1 innings.
It was believed that Taillon would be traded at the deadline last season, but a deal never materialized.
What Analysts Think
Brad Wakai of SI.com recently talked up the possibility of the right-hander being dealt.
Per Wakai:
“The right-hander was supposed to be a key piece of this rotation when he signed a $68 million deal ahead of the 2023 season, and while he rebounded nicely this past campaign with a 3.27 ERA and 122 ERA+ following the 4.84 ERA and 88 ERA+ in his debut, he could be another move made to relieve some salary.
Jameson Taillon would have suitors if he’s put on the trade block and is performing well, and while trading him would seem counterintuitive for a team looking to compete in 2025, they also have a plethora of options they can turn to like Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks and their top pitching prospect Cade Horton.”
Not too long ago, Zach Pressnell of FanSided proposed Chicago moving on from Jameson Taillon as well.
Per Pressnell:
“The most obvious answer here is Taillon, who’s set to be paid $18 million in 2025 and $18 million in 2026. The Cubs could likely move Taillon to another contender in exchange for big-league-ready talent. If they were willing to attach prospects and money to him, they could take a shot at some top trade targets on the market this winter. While it’s not a guarantee he’s moved, the idea makes a lot of sense. The only issue here is that Chicago may not find an offseason suitor for their starting pitcher. If they do, they should move him.”
Chicago Cubs Willing To Move on?
The trade of Taillon would indeed be a shocker, especially from an organization declaring itself to be “all in” when it comes to winning this season. If it did happen, it would be a move executed to get rid of an $18 million salary over the next two years and only if young arms like Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, or Cade Horton showed themselves to be major league-ready.
As things sit now, the Cubs starting rotation is Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad, with Wicks, Brown, and Horton competing for a spot. The loss of Taillon could prove to be a gigantic gouge out of the middle of the rotation– unless someone came along to make Taillon expendable.
Follow me on Twitter at @boxing_tribune, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Paul Magno via email at paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
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