Chicago Cubs Rumors: Two teams emerge in potential Jameson Taillon trade

With Cody Bellinger likely on the IL until after the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline on July 30, it would seem that the biggest trade chip the Chicago Cubs have is starting pitcher Jameson Taillon.

Over the weekend, rumors picked up that the Cubs were open to moving Taillon and after the team stumbled against the Arizona Diamondbacks in their first series after the All-Star break, it seems inevitable that the front office will choose to be sellers at the deadline.

Given the Cubs likely want to remain in a position to contend in 2025, it seems that Taillon is the most logical piece to be moved at this year's deadline given that he could be easily replaced in the offseason with a signing of a veteran free agent.

Along those lines, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that two teams have already emerged as potential suitors for Taillon.

The Boston Red Sox and Yankees have had talks with the Chicago Cubs about starter Jameson Taillon, but the Cubs are undecided whether they will be buyers or sellers.

Regardless of what the Cubs decide to do, though exclusively buying can probably be ruled out, scenarios exist where moving Taillon makes sense no matter the direction.

It's no surprise that the Boston Red Sox are among the teams that have already expressed interest in Taillon. Red Sox president of baseball operations, Craig Breslow, is a large part of the reason why Taillon signed a four-year deal with the Cubs prior to the 2023 season. Breslow, then a member of the Cubs' front office, was the key voice in the team's recruitment of Taillon.

The Yankees have questions about the depth of their rotation. While it would seem likely that the Yankees may aim higher, such as pursuing Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox, reuniting with Taillon would be an ideal fallback option.