Cubs rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid

The Cubs need to get Jameson Taillon and his contract off their books

Jameson Taillon has been terrible for the Cubs this year. He’s worth negative WAR and has consistently been the team’s worst starting pitcher this whole year. Not only has he been one of their worst players, but he also has the worst contract on their books. He’s making $14 million this year and then $18 million for the three years after that. It will be very tough for Chicago to dump Taillon.

The Cubs may have to part with one or two of their top 30 prospects in order for another team to take the terrible contract attached to Taillon. But this dump would make them much better now and in the future. This would clear them up to extend Marcus Stroman with ease and make their starting rotation much more complete and competitive.

Chicago could find a team to take a flier on Taillon. These trade talks would take a bit to come to fruition, so it would be in their best interest to begin discussing this now. They need to part ways. His 2023 season hasn’t shown any promise or return to his former self. The Cubs aren’t serious contenders with Taillon getting the ball every fifth day.