What Jameson Taillon’s Trajectory with Cubs Says about Their Offseason Approach to Pitching
A Conservative Approach to Free Agency
Right-hander Jameson Taillon chose a spot on the field-side of the dugout railing before the Cubs’ last road game of the regular season. It improved his perception, he explained. The rain had just let up. And standing there, he could survey most of Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park as he reflected on the season.
The Cubs’ approach to free agency this offseason is expected to mirror their strategy in recent years. They won’t be competing for top free agent starters, a group headlined by Corbin Burns, who are poised to collect contracts in the $200 million range. Instead, they’ll focus on signing pitchers like Taillon, who have proven themselves in the major leagues but may not command top dollar.
What Made Taillon’s Signing Pay Off
When the Cubs signed Taillon, he was already a proven starter with parts of four major-league seasons with the Pirates and two with the Yankees under his belt. But they saw potential for more, leading to their early and persistent pursuit.
Taillon struggled at first, to the tune of a 6.93 ERA through his first 14 starts as a Cub. But once his mechanics and routine clicked, he proved it was a lasting change. Even after a spring training back injury delayed his 2024 season debut, Taillon posted a 3.27 ERA in 28 starts.
A Leader Emerges
Taillon’s season was marked by his ability to compete on days when his stuff wasn’t at its best, and his workload (over 165 innings) was a testament to his durability. He also settled in as a leader, which will be especially important in the wake of Cubs stalwart Kyle Hendricks’ departure in free agency.
“Cody Bellingers, the MVPs, the guys who have made a lot of money playing baseball, to the guys that are just trying to make it,” Taillon said of his role as a leader. “He understands a lot of people.”
A Rotation in Flux
The Cubs’ rotation is expected to undergo some changes this offseason, with several young pitchers looking to make a bigger impact in 2024. Right-hander Hayden Wesneski, who was limited by injury this season, is one of those pitchers who will be looking to bounce back.
Taillon, who has gone through everything from two Tommy John surgeries to cancer treatment, regularly checked in with Wesneski, rookies Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown, and even prospect Cade Horton as they all went through injury rehab programs at the Cubs’ Arizona facility.
A Strong Rotation
The Cubs’ rotation, led by Justin Steele, Imanaga, and Taillon, was already a strength this past season, despite the team’s disappointing 83-79 finish. Another starter joining that front-end mix would make a Cubs rotation that posted a Top-6 ERA in baseball last year (2.77) – albeit under pitcher-friendly conditions at Wrigley Field – an even stronger anchor for the team.
Conclusion
The Cubs’ approach to free agency this offseason is expected to be conservative, focusing on signing pitchers like Taillon who have proven themselves in the major leagues but may not command top dollar. With a strong rotation already in place, the team will be looking to add depth and stability to the pitching staff.
FAQs
Q: What is the Cubs’ approach to free agency this offseason?
A: The Cubs are expected to take a conservative approach, focusing on signing pitchers like Jameson Taillon who have proven themselves in the major leagues but may not command top dollar.
Q: Who are some of the top free agent starters this offseason?
A: The top free agent starters this offseason include Corbin Burns, who are poised to collect contracts in the $200 million range.
Q: What makes Jameson Taillon’s signing pay off?
A: Taillon’s signing paid off due to his ability to compete on days when his stuff wasn’t at its best, and his workload (over 165 innings) was a testament to his durability. He also settled in as a leader, which will be especially important in the wake of Cubs stalwart Kyle Hendricks’ departure in free agency.
