Cubs’ $68 Million Hurler Projected as Top Trade Candidate This Winter

Report: Cubs’ $68 Million Hurler Jameson Taillon Projected as Top Trade Candidate This Winter

As the Chicago Cubs navigate a disappointing 2024 season with a 57-60 record entering August 9, the team is already shifting its focus to the 2025 roster. One key question surrounding the Cubs’ offseason strategy is whether starting pitcher Jameson Taillon will remain with the team or become a trade candidate.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer has identified Taillon as a likely trade piece for the Cubs. The right-hander’s inaugural season in Chicago was rocky, finishing with an 8-10 record, a 4.84 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, and 140 strikeouts over 154.1 innings pitched. However, Taillon’s performance has shown marked improvement in 2024. Through 19 starts, he boasts a 7-6 record, a 3.25 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 86 strikeouts in 110.2 innings.

Rymer pointed out that the Cubs have several rotation options for 2025, including Justin Steele, Shōta Imanaga, Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, and top prospect Cade Horton. With Kyle Hendricks’ contract expiring, the Cubs have depth in their pitching staff, which could make Taillon expendable.

Taillon, who is concluding his second season of a four-year, $68 million contract signed prior to the 2023 season, drew interest from teams at the trade deadline. Despite the Cubs’ underwhelming performance, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer opted to retain key players like Taillon and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. The Cubs did make some moves, including trading reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to the Yankees and third baseman Christopher Morel to the Rays, acquiring All-Star slugger Isaac Paredes and right-handed reliever Nate Pearson in the process.

Taillon’s name surfaced in trade rumors, with the Yankees and Boston Red Sox reportedly interested, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. However, Taillon holds a 10-team no-trade clause, which could complicate any potential deal. Despite this, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported that negotiations never advanced to the point where Taillon had to make a definitive decision.

As the Cubs look at a substantial deficit in the standings, trailing by 9.5 games in the National League Central and five games behind the final NL wild card spot, their focus will inevitably shift to the offseason. Chicago has already made some notable moves, including acquiring first baseman Michael Busch and signing manager Craig Counsell to a five-year, $40 million deal. However, their lack of significant win-now moves during the season has left them battling the Cincinnati Reds to avoid the NL Central basement.

With Bellinger potentially opting out of his contract in November, the Cubs face a pivotal offseason. How they address their roster needs and manage their key assets, like Taillon, will be crucial in their bid to remain competitive in the NL Central and beyond.