Chicago Cubs News: Jameson Taillon signing is official

The Chicago Cubs officially announced the four-year deal with free-agent starting pitcher Jameson Taillon on Monday. Taillon is set to earn $68MM over the course of the next four seasons with the Cubs and likely will enter the 2023 season as the team's No. 2 starter behind Marcus Stroman.

Taillon's signing with the Cubs was first reported during the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings two weeks ago. At the Winter Meetings, Cubs' president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer mentioned that the veteran starting pitcher was a primary focus for the team this offseason. Taillon confirmed as much in an introductory Zoom press conference with reporters on Monday.

Taillon also relied on the advice of former Cubs' players regarding the idea of playing with the team.

In regard to the Cubs' pitching infrastructure, Taillon is looking forward to working on his pitch mix this offseason and plans on incorporating the cut fastball more in 2023.

Taillon is also looking forward to serving as mentor for the young arms on the Cubs' pitching staff.

Taillon's introduction came just days after the team reportedly finalized a deal with free-agent shortstop Dansby Swanson. While the team can not make official comments until the deal is officially announced, Taillon has already spoken with the Cubs' new shortstop as the two share the same agent.

The Cubs' 40 man roster now stands at 39 with the Swanson signing still to be finalized.