Jameson Taillon May Not Make His Next Start?

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Jameson Taillon May Not Make His Next Start?

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jul 26, 2026 7:59 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs took two out of three against the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend. In the series finale though, starting pitcher Jameson Taillon struggled yet again, allowing seven earned runs. The long ball once again strikes Taillon, with three runs given up in just 4.0 innings of work.

Now, do you allow Taillon to make his next start? If you ask Cubs fans, they’ll say no way. If you ask the manager, he agrees?

According to Craig Counsell, the Cubs are going to have an honest discussion about Jameson Taillon as a part of the rotation. While a release is unlikely, Taillon may be moved to a bullpen role or become a phantom IL candidate to skip a few starts.

Taillon is currently on the last year of his deal. Prior to the 2023 MLB season, Taillon signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Cubs. Taillon was an incredibly serviceable starter in the first two years of the deal, and even with an uptick in home runs allowed, he still gave the Cubs length in year three. However, the final year of the deal just hasn’t been good enough, even with the lack of healthy starting arms.

Due to that shortage of arms, a full separation with Taillon would be surprising. However, does he have what it takes to move into a bullpen role and still help the team?

The Cubs can’t simply punt on the decision with Taillon, especially with what is on the line this season. For example, the Cubs can’t waste Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP-level season.

There is a chance a decision is made before the Cubs’ next series. A four-game series down in St. Louis begins on Monday night at 6:45 p.m. CT.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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