Chicago Cubs cut ties with struggling pitcher Jameson Taillon, Iowa fans take note
ST. LOUIS — The Chicago Cubs made a tough but necessary move Monday, designating veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon for assignment after a season of declining performance. For Iowa Cubs fans and Triple-A Iowa followers, the decision signals a shift in the team's pitching strategy as the playoff push intensifies.
Taillon, 34, posted a 5.92 ERA through 15 starts this season, allowing 25 home runs in just 76 innings. His -1.1 fWAR and 6.74 fielding independent pitching (FIP) are the worst among all MLB pitchers with at least 60 innings. The Cubs, fighting for a postseason berth, could no longer afford the inconsistency.
Why the Cubs moved on from Taillon now
Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, especially given Taillon's leadership in the clubhouse. But performance ultimately dictated the move.
“We had to make a hard decision as to whether we thought Jameson was going to pitch again, and with where we're at in the season and with what's going on in his season, we just didn't feel like it was going to happen again,” Counsell said. “Those are hard decisions, and it seems like everything is always just a baseball decision and just about production.”
Taillon's struggles were evident. His four-seam fastball and cutter were ineffective, with batters hitting .329 and .298 against them, respectively. His first-pitch strike percentage dropped to a career-worst 56.1%, down nearly 12 percentage points from 2025. After missing seven weeks with a hamstring strain, he returned but showed no improvement.
What this means for the Iowa Cubs and rotation
Right-hander Andrew Wantz was called up from Triple-A Iowa to fill Taillon's roster spot. Right-hander Javier Assad is expected to take Taillon's turn in the rotation, starting Friday against the New York Yankees at Wrigley Field.
Additionally, right-hander Edward Cabrera, sidelined with a hamstring strain, is set to begin a rehab assignment Friday with the Iowa Cubs. He will likely need three starts before rejoining the big league rotation, potentially by mid-August.
Monday's trade deadline could also bring more help. The Cubs are expected to be active in adding pitching depth.
Taillon's legacy in Chicago and beyond
Despite his on-field struggles, Taillon was widely respected in the clubhouse. Shortstop Dansby Swanson called him “definitely on my Mount Rushmore of teammates.” Second baseman Nico Hoerner praised his character and consistency.
“Everyone sees the every fifth day, a guy on the mound — good starts, bad starts, whatever it is — but you don't get to see the group chats and plane rides and bus rides and dinners and everything in between,” Hoerner said.
Taillon reached 10 years of MLB service time on May 25, a milestone he was proud of. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and teammates believe he still has something left, but his time with the Cubs is over.
Frequently asked questions about the Taillon move
Will Jameson Taillon pitch again in the majors?
Many in the Cubs organization believe Taillon can still contribute at the big league level if he resolves mechanical issues. His clubhouse presence and experience make him a candidate for another team willing to take a chance.
How does this affect the Iowa Cubs roster?
Andrew Wantz moves up to Chicago, and Edward Cabrera will begin a rehab assignment with Iowa. This opens opportunities for other pitchers in the Iowa system to step up.
What are the Cubs' playoff chances after this move?
The Cubs are positioning for a deep October run. By replacing Taillon with more effective options, they aim to strengthen a rotation that needs consistency down the stretch.
Taillon finishes his Cubs career with a 4.21 ERA in 96 games (95 starts). His final season was a disappointment, but his impact on teammates and the organization will not be forgotten.