Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs signed free agent right-hander Jameson Taillon to a four-year, $68 million deal, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported late Tuesday night. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported earlier in the evening that Taillon’s camp was meeting with the Cubs.
Taillon, 31, made 32 starts in his second season for the Yankees this year and posted a 3.91 ERA. He spent the first four years of his major league career with the Pirates, and owns a 3.84 ERA in 143 total starts.
Taillon had been a name connected to the Mets this offseason due to their need for starting pitching. They’ve also been strongly connected to Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga, a name they’re likely to pursue harder after missing out on Taillon.
Even with Justin Verlander effectively replacing Jacob deGrom‘s spot in the rotation, the Mets could use a strong middle-of-the-rotation starter, especially after Taijuan Walker signed with the Phillies Tuesday evening. In addition to Senga, they could still go after players like Chris Bassitt, Nathan Eovaldi and Ross Stripling.
Taillon will join Kyle Hendricks and former Met Marcus Stroman near the top of the Cubs’ rotation. With Hendricks’ recent struggles, an argument could be made that Taillon is the Cubs’ new ace. Justin Steele, Keegan Thompson and Adrian Sampson are all candidates to round out the starting five (or six).
The Cubs struggled in 2022, going 74-88 despite some glimpses of up-and-coming talent. They also signed Cody Bellinger to a one-year deal on Tuesday, hoping to help him revert at least relatively closer to his MVP form from not terribly long ago.
