Cubs Designate Jameson Taillon For Assignment - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Chicago Cubs designated right-hander Jameson Taillon for assignment on July 27, 2026, while selecting the contract of right-hander Andrew Wantz. The move removes Taillon from the 40-man roster after a difficult season in which the 34-year-old made 15 starts, missed roughly six weeks with a hamstring strain and posted a 5.96 ERA over 76 innings.

According to the report, Taillon’s home run problems were a major part of his decline: he had allowed 25 homers, second-most in the majors at the time cited. MLB Trade Rumors noted that the decision is notable because Chicago’s rotation has been hit by multiple injuries, including Cade Horton’s season-ending Tommy John surgery, Justin Steele’s limited comeback outlook, Ben Brown’s neck issue and Edward Cabrera’s hamstring strain. The Cubs had already added David Peterson and Aaron Civale via trades in recent weeks.

The article framed the decision as connected to the approaching August 3 trade deadline, with Chicago expected to continue looking for starting pitching. Taillon is in the final season of a four-year, $68 million contract signed before 2023, with just under $6 million reportedly remaining. MLB Trade Rumors said a trade is possible but suggested a release could be the simpler outcome if there is little market interest.

Wantz, 30, gives the Cubs a multi-inning bullpen option. MLB Trade Rumors reported he had a 4.32 ERA in 25 innings for the Cubs’ minor league affiliate after signing a minor league deal, following an earlier appearance with Tampa Bay this season.