Cubs Designate Struggling Pitcher Jameson Taillon for Assignment

The Chicago Cubs have designated veteran right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon for assignment, a move that comes as the 34-year-old struggles with a 5.92 earned run average this season. Taillon's performance has been a significant concern, with opponents hitting .256 against him and launching 25 home runs in just 76 innings pitched, a mark that ties him for the second-most in Major League Baseball. His four-seam fastball, in particular, has been hit at a .329 clip this year.

Taillon's struggles this season starkly contrast with his previous two years, where he recorded 12 and 11 wins respectively. He was a key contributor in the Cubs' 2023 National League Wild Card Series, delivering four scoreless innings in Game 3 against the Padres. However, his recent outing on July 26 against the Pirates saw him give up seven runs, including three home runs, in just four innings, ultimately taking the loss.

The Cubs signed Taillon to a four-year, $68 million contract in 2023. This season marks the final year of that deal, with Taillon earning $18 million. He also spent time on the injured list earlier this year due to a left hamstring strain. The team has called up 30-year-old right-hander Andrew Wantz to fill his spot.