MLB Trade Rumors: Cubs' Jameson Taillon Interests Astros amid Yankees, Red Sox Buzz
July 25, 2024
The Houston Astros are interested in potentially acquiring Chicago Cubs starter Jameson Taillon ahead of the MLB trade deadline, according to Chandler Rome, Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale previously reported on Sunday that the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have "had talks" with Chicago regarding Taillon.
With the Cubs currently sitting 5.5 games back from the final National League wild card spot, they may choose to move the 32-year-old right-hander.
On Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com listed Chicago among the teams that may look to "thread the buy/sell needle" prior to the deadline. This could result in the departure of Taillon, who'll be turning 33 years old in November.
The Cubs might look to capitalize on his current trade value, as he's accumulated a career-best 2.96 ERA through his first 17 starts in 2024. He also recorded a 7-5 record, accumulating 78 strikeouts compared to 21 walks.
Rome, Rosenthal and Mooney noted on Thursday that the Astros are interested in Taillon as he would fill a need for the team during the 2024 season and beyond. He currently has two more years left on his contract before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2027.
While the Astros still hold a narrow one-game lead in the AL West, starting pitching has not been the team's strong suit following a string of injuries. Houston has an ERA of 4.24 among starters in 2024, representing the No. 19 mark in the majors (via MLB.com).
Astros general manager Dana Brown was honest about his interest in acquiring some rotation help during a Monday appearance on MLB Network Radio.
"Try to go big and see if there's a deal that makes sense for the organization," Brown said (h/t CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson). "If that doesn't work, we'll go down to mid-level and hopefully we can land something there. But it doesn't hurt to ask."
The Astros will likely continue to register interest in Taillon ahead of the trade deadline on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.