ST. LOUIS — A day before his release, Jameson Taillon reflected on his recent underwhelming performances at the major league level. He openly acknowledged that his 2026 season numbers, a 5.92 ERA through 15 starts and 25 home runs allowed over 76 innings, were far from sufficient for a Chicago Cubs team eager to solidify playoff standing.
“The results speak for themselves,” he stated after surrendering seven runs, including three home runs, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. “I’m confident I can figure it out, but when you’re going out there and hurting the team, it’s not a good place to be.
Taillon admitted feeling pressured to improve. “I feel pressure to do better, for myself especially, but I’ve been around long enough to know that I’m hurting the team and have been for a little while now, so I’m not naive to that at all.” Major League Baseball remains a business, even for respected leaders like Taillon.
The Cubs decided to designate Taillon for assignment ahead of Monday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Right-hander Andrew Wantz was promoted from Triple-A Iowa. Taillon, now 34, concluded his run with the Cubs with a 4.21 ERA in 96 games (95 starts).
“Those are hard decisions, and it seems like everything is just about production,” said manager Craig Counsell. “Taillon’s not only produced as a Cub, but also impacted our culture and clubhouse, making decisions tougher.”
Unfortunately, Taillon’s -1.1 fWAR and 6.74 FIP ranked him among the league’s least effective pitchers this season (minimum 60 innings). The team hoped his time sidelined by a hamstring injury could lead to adjustments improving his command and limiting home runs. However, those improvements weren’t realized in his subsequent starts.
Right-hander Javier Assad’s emergence as a reliable pitcher offers immediate relief to fill Taillon’s spot. Assad plans to pitch Friday at Wrigley Field against the New York Yankees. As the trade deadline nears, additional rotation help is anticipated with right-hander Edward Cabrera targeting an August return. Cabrera will initiate a rehab assignment Friday at Triple-A Iowa, seeking three starts before joining the Cubs.
While the decision reflects Taillon’s struggles, his impact was deeply felt in the clubhouse. Counsell praised Taillon’s mentorship qualities, highlighting his unwavering humility and guidance. Teammate Dansby Swanson identified it as a difficult day due to losing not only a player but a close friend.
“Definitely on my Mount Rushmore of teammates,” Swanson said. “Always wanting to help everybody. Always willing to make sure everyone was in a good position to succeed.”
Pitcher Matthew Boyd emphasized the challenge of maintaining professionalism amid adversity, stating, “There’s something to be said for someone who shows up the same way every day, regardless of performance. That takes strength.”
The Cubs’ longest-serving player, Ian Happ, echoed similar sentiments. “These are challenging because of the friendships and off-field bonds you build. The care for the person makes it tough,” Happ explained.
Taillon, earlier known for timely in-season adjustments and crucial performances, had fewer such chances this year. His delivery and execution problems proved insurmountable despite previous achievements in the 2023 and 2025 seasons.
Although his service with the Cubs ends differently than planned, both pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and clubhouse voices believe Taillon’s major-league journey isn’t complete. Resolving these issues lies beyond the Cubs, but there’s optimism for his future contributions elsewhere.
“It comes down to performance and we’re all held to that same measure,” concluded Boyd. “We get it, but that doesn’t make it easier.”