Ranking 3 Cubs who could be realistically be moved ahead of the trade deadline

1: If Cubs want to shed payroll, Jameson Taillon needs to be moved

Since about this time last year, Jameson Taillon has been as reliable as they come - and his numbers in 2024 have already drawn the attention of both the Red Sox and Yankees.

He's made 16 starts for Chicago this season, posting a 3.10 ERA/3.81 FIP across 93 innings of work. The good news is that FIP is almost identical to his career mark of 3.92, suggesting this is far from a fluke and is sustainable moving forward. That element - long-term sustainability - will be of particular interest to suitors, given Taillon is in year two of the four-year deal he signed with the Cubs heading into 2023.

The veteran and former first-rounder is making $18 million this year, and in both 2025 and 2026. Shedding those dollars makes a ton of sense if you're Jed Hoyer and you want to free up some salary heading into the offseason, especially considering you already have several internal options who project to be long-term answers in the rotation, including Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks and Cade Horton.