Chicago Cubs Trade Rumors and Rumblings

Although under control for two years following the 2024 season, Mike Tauchman could be a hot commodity at the deadline for a plethora of teams. The Palatine Pounder is 33 years old, but has two arbitration years after only making $1.9 million this season. He fits the budget of just about every team that could use some outfield depth. 

So far this season, Tauchman has suited up in 72 games and is slashing .246/.343/.358. Unfortunately, Tauchman has been cold since returning from injury. The lefty is only slashing .160/.222/.160 in his last 15 games. At the start of May, Tauchman was sporting a .427 on-base percentage, and hovered above .400 for the first half of the month. Since then, the injury and a natural regression has left Tauchman searching for answers at the plate. 

Cold streak aside, Tauchman still brings value to a contending team. The veteran has a quality approach at the plate and can play all three outfield spots rather well. If the price is right, the Cubs could certainly move Tauchman on or before Tuesday's deadline. 

Supposedly, the New York Yankees, a team Tauchman has played for in the past, are reportedly interested in his services. They also have our next player in their sights as they look to bolster their infield. 

2B Nico Hoerner

Cubs fans won't want to hear it, but Nico Hoerner's name is popping up in trade rumors. According to the same reports that suggest the Yankees are looking at Tauchman, they're reportedly one of the teams most interested in the Gold Glover's services. 

Hoerner, like Tauchman, has multiple years of control left on his deal. With two more years at $11.5 million and $12 million, respectively, Hoerner presents a better option than a rental does for teams looking to add an established piece in a contention window. 

Trading Hoerner might not make sense to fans, as the middle infielder has become a fan favorite. However, majority of the Cubs' top prospects are middle infielders with likely homes at second base. If Jed Hoyer is going to turn to his top-5 prospect pipeline, opening up second base helps those prospects like Matt Shaw, James Triantos, and others to potentially have a full-time home. 

Hoerner is slashing .257/.335/.351 with four homers and 30 RBIs. Despite an underwhelming overall line, Hoerner is slashing .290/.353/.395 over his last 30 games. As Hoerner heats up, he becomes more appealing to teams going for it all in 2024. 

RHP Jameson Taillon

Fresh off a 7.1-inning gem in the Cubs' 1-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, Jameson Taillon appears to be a hot name on the trade market. A slew of reports tie Taillon to a quartet of contenders. The Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Yankees are all reported suitors for the big righty's services. 

A recurring theme at this point, Taillon is also under contract for two more seasons following the 2024 campaign. As the price of quality starting pitching rises, $18 million for Taillon in 2025 and 2026 is a bargain for a pitcher with a sub-3.00 ERA. 

The Yankees are incredibly familiar with Taillon, as he spent the 2021 and 2022 campaigns with the Bronx Bombers. In addition, the Red Sox are not a surprising suitor as Craig Breslow, head baseball mind in Boston, was with the Cubs when they inked Taillon to his four-year deal. As for the other two, they're looking to gear up for a big push with clear needs in the rotation. 

Taillon should command a huge return for the Cubs, especially if teams get into a bidding war. Perhaps the Cubs find themselves with some franchise-altering options as a return for a player like Taillon. 

The Bullpen

There have been loose whispers within social media that names such as Mark Leiter Jr. and Hector Neris are of interest to contenders. The Cubs will surely listen if the price is right. Although there is less of a guarantee for a market, bullpen arms are always easy to move. In the case of the Cubs, Neris has an option for 2025 and Leiter Jr. has two more years of arbitration. That control could be appealing to contenders. 

What's On Tap Next?

The Cubs will surely have their hands full leading up to the deadline. Jed Hoyer has a chance to start making changes that will set this franchise in a positive direction for 2025. Whether it is clearing space for prospects ready to take the next step or adding talent that will bring some stardom to the roster, now is the time to start improving the outlook of this club. If Hoyer flops, his contract expires after the 2025 season and the Cubs ownership could finally look elsewhere for a fearless leader.