Report: Red Sox interested in trading for veteran Cubs starter originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
With your plans to start launching Ahead of next week’s MLB trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox have reportedly expressed interest in Chicago Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon.
On Sunday, USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale wrote that both the Red Sox and New York Yankees “have talked to the Cubs about Taillon, but the Cubs are undecided whether they will be buyers or sellers.” Although the Cubs entered Monday in fourth place and 10 games back in the National League Central standings, they are just 3.5 games back in the Wild Card race.
Taillon is having one of the best statistical seasons of his career. The 32-year-old is 7-4 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 16 starts (93 innings). He is under contract through the 2026 campaign and will make $18 million in each of the next two seasons.
In his career, Taillon has a 3.92 ERA in eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Yankees and Cubs.
First-year director of baseball Craig Breslow and the front office will likely ask about several of the league’s starting pitchers next week. The Red Sox rotation has far exceeded expectations this season, but there is a serious need for an additional rotation arm. Swingmen Cooper Criswell and Josh Winckowski split time as the fifth starter, but beyond them, the pitching depth is a glaring weakness.
Like Chicago, Boston is still considering whether to buy or sell. They are currently 6.5 games back in the American League East and one game behind the Kansas City Royals for the third Wild Card spot after being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers coming out of the All-Star break.
The Red Sox will begin an important three-game series on the road against the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. From there, they will host the New York Yankees for a three-game series and play the first of three games against the Seattle Mariners before the July 30 deadline. Their performance during this period may determine Breslow and Co.’s approach.
First pitch for Monday’s series opener at Coors Field is set for 8:40 p.m. ET.
