The Chicago Cubs face difficult decisions ahead of the MLB trade deadline next week. With limited time to decide their strategy, it seems likely the front office will consider selling some talent.
Fans have been curious about which players might be traded, and now they may have an answer. MLB insider Mark Feinsand recently suggested in a mailbag that veteran starting pitcher Jameson Taillon is the most likely candidate.
“Cubs president Jed Hoyer made it clear that he’s not looking for rental players to help in 2024, but that doesn’t mean he won’t seek controllable talent for 2025 and beyond. It sounds like the Cubs are listening to offers for Jameson Taillon, who is signed for two more years, but that could simply be a matter of pitching-needy teams doing their due diligence. If one team makes Hoyer a significant offer, he will have to consider it,” Feinsand explained.
Feinsand also noted the possibility that Hoyer and the front office might acquire future talent, focusing on becoming a stronger contender in 2025 and beyond rather than selling off assets now.
Trading Taillon could be a smart move for the Cubs, as the market for starting pitching is high. Taillon has had a resurgent season with a 7-5 record, a 2.96 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, a 3.7 K/BB ratio, and 100.1 innings pitched in 17 starts. These impressive stats would be attractive to contenders looking to bolster their rotation. Additionally, Taillon is under contract for another year, making him a valuable asset for 2025 as well.
While there’s no guarantee the Cubs will sell any talent, they are a team to watch closely. Hoyer may opt to keep the core intact while adding controllable pieces for the future, but Taillon remains one of their most valuable assets for potential trade.
