Cubs Trade Rumors: Yankees, Red Sox Eye Jameson Taillon Ahead of 2024 MLB Deadline

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVJuly 21, 2024

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The Chicago Cubs have been one of the most disappointing teams in all of Major League Baseball this season, which makes them potential sellers ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

If they do decide to sell, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are reportedly interested in pitcher Jameson Taillon.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported as much Sunday but noted Chicago hasn’t fully decided whether it will be buyers or sellers at the deadline. While the team is just 47-53 and ahead of only the Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins in the National League, it is also just 4.5 games back of the final wild-card spot in a wide-open league.

Ultimately, the Cubs have to weigh more than just whether they are going to be buyers or sellers this season with Taillon.

After all, he is under contract through the 2026 season and is someone who could help them compete in future years even if the 2024 one has been so lackluster.

On the other hand, Taillon is 32 years old with an inconsistent track record. He has been largely excellent this season and may not be able to replicate such a stat line in future years, so trading him this month could be a case of moving on from someone when his value is as high as possible.

The right-hander has a 3.10 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 75 strikeouts in 93 innings and 16 starts this season, which is as good of a stat line as the Cubs could have ever realistically hoped for from a middle-of-the-rotation starter.

Trading him now could help bolster the farm system with an eye on the future, and the front office likely won’t have to worry about someone who had an ERA of 4.30 or above in two of the last three years dominating as he ages and making them regret the move.

As for the Yankees and Red Sox, they could both use more effective pitching depth down the stretch as they fight for playoff spots.

New York is two games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East, while Boston is 6.5 games back. The Red Sox are also tied with the Kansas City Royals for the final AL wild-card spot.

Even a small boost from adding Taillon could make the difference between a playoff spot and watching the postseason at home, so it comes as no surprise both teams would be interested if the Cubs decide to sell.