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Cubs Sign Jameson Taillon

By Anthony Franco | December 19, 2022 at 9:10am CDT

Dec. 19: The Cubs have formally announced their four-year deal with Taillon. They now have 39 players on their 40-man roster, though that doesn’t yet include Dansby Swanson, who agreed to a seven-year deal with the Cubs over the weekend.

Dec. 7: The Cubs have agreed to a four-year, $68MM deal with right-handed starter Jameson Taillon, according to Jesse Rogers and Jeff Passan of ESPN. Taillon is represented by Excel Sports Management. Taillon was one of the top remaining options on the starting pitching market.

Carlos Rodón is the lone ace who’s still unsigned, while players like Kodai Senga, Chris Bassitt, Nathan Eovaldi and Noah Syndergaard join Taillon in the next tier. The Cubs have generally been expected to dip into free agency to address their rotation, and it appears they’ll indeed do so to snag a mid-rotation arm.

Once finalized, the deal will send Taillon back to the NL Central. He’s spent much of his career there, as he entered the professional ranks back in 2010 as the 2nd overall pick of the Pirates. He appeared among Baseball America’s top 30 overall prospects in each of the next five years, with his progression up the minor league ranks delayed by Tommy John surgery. By 2016, he got to the big leagues, breaking in with 18 starts of 3.38 ERA ball.

That kicked off a stretch of a few solid seasons in black and gold. Taillon combined for 57 starts over the next two years, posting a 3.71 ERA. He missed some time in 2017 battling testicular cancer but beat the disease quickly, remarkably missing only around one month. Taillon avoided the injured list through the end of the 2018 campaign thereafter, but his elbow blew out seven starts into the 2019 season. He underwent the second Tommy John surgery of his career that August, spending all of the following season rehabbing.

It proved an unwelcome end to his time in Pittsburgh, as the rebuilding Bucs flipped him to the Yankees over the 2020-21 offseason. New York surrendered four young players, including Roansy Contreras, to land Taillon. It was a bit of a gamble on him returning to health after the surgery, but he indeed came back as his previous mid-rotation self. Taillon’s two seasons in the Bronx were strikingly similar to his years in Pittsburgh.

Over his two-year run in pinstripes, he worked to a 4.08 ERA across 321 2/3 innings. The Texas native posted a 21.9% strikeout rate that’s right around league average and walked fewer than 6% of his opponents. His ground-ball and hard contact rates allowed were middle-of-the-pack, but he pounded the strike zone and handled hitters from both sides of the dish reasonably well. His stuff also returned to just under pre-surgery levels. Taillon’s fastball has checked in right around 94 MPH in each of the past two seasons, while he relies on a mid-80s slider and a low-80s curveball as his secondary pitches.

Taillon turned 31 last month, so he should still have a few prime seasons ahead of him. There’s certainly risk in investing in a pitcher with two Tommy John surgeries on his medical chart, but he’s avoided any arm issues the past two years. His only IL stint was a brief absence for a calf issue late in the ’21 campaign.

The Cubs find themselves in a middle ground between retooling and full-fledged contention. They’re coming off a second straight losing season, but president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has suggested the front office planned to be active in bolstering the MLB roster. To that end, they’ve already agreed to terms with former MVP Cody Bellinger on a bounceback deal to play center field, and it appears Taillon will follow.

Starting pitching was one of the bigger questions on the roster. Chicago signed Marcus Stroman to a three-year guarantee last offseason. He’ll be in the starting five, although he can opt out at the end of next year. Kyle Hendricks is under contract for another season and would have a rotation spot if healthy, but he’s rehabbing from a capsule tear in his throwing shoulder. Justin Steele earned a rotation spot with a solid rookie season. The back end is completely up in the air, with players like Keegan Thompson, Adrian Sampson and rookies Hayden Wesneski, Javier Assad and Caleb Kilian all jockeying for work. Adding a stable mid-rotation pitcher like Taillon makes plenty of sense for a team without many certain innings.

That’s particularly true since signing Taillon won’t cost the Cubs any draft choices. New York somewhat curiously opted not to issue him a $19.65MM qualifying offer at the end of the season, allowing him to hit the market unencumbered.

MLBTR predicted a four-year, $56MM contract entering the offseason, so Taillon’s deal comes in a bit above that. The rotation market has generally been more robust than anticipated thus far. Zach Eflin and Tyler Anderson both landed three-year deals in the $40MM range, while Taijuan Walker agreed to terms with the Phillies on a surprising four-year, $72MM guarantee earlier this evening.

Ken Rosenthal and Stephen Nesbitt of The Athletic were first to report that the Cubs were making a strong push for Taillon (link). Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweeted that the sides were nearing an agreement. Jesse Rogers and Jeff Passan of ESPN announced the deal was agreed to and added financial terms.

Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.

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Chicago Cubs Transactions Jameson Taillon

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253 Comments

  1. Buzz Killington

    3 years ago

    Please don’t be stupid like Dumbrowski and massively overpay.

    11
    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      3 years ago

      Taillon will cost 18-20 a year in this market.

      10
      Reply
      • Pete'sView

        3 years ago

        Clearly, the Cubs are shooting low. But for them, I guess he makes sense.

        1
        Reply
      • Holy Cow!

        3 years ago

        Jed got em for $1M AAV less than Walker.

        5
        Reply
      • RobM

        3 years ago

        Not quite that bad, Von, but close. Looks like a $17 million AAV.

        He’s a good pitcher, and one who I believe is better than his 100 ERA+. There’s upside here, and due to prior injuries, less wear-and-tear on his arm.

        5
        Reply
        • lemonlyman

          3 years ago

          Hard to argue that 200 healthy innings is worse for a pitcher than a second Tommy John surgery. I understand the sentiment of fewer innings on an arm, but that’s usually in regards to injuries that aren’t to the throwing arm.

          2
          Reply
        • Robertowannabe

          3 years ago

          Well, he did already have 2 TJ surgeries with only 466 major league innings under his belt so I for one would still worry about the longevity of his arm.

          2
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          Yes. I like this deal for the Cubbies. Slightly lower than expected.

          2
          Reply
      • bryan c

        3 years ago

        LOL!!!!! Phillies look so stupid

        1
        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          @bryan c Not really. Walker and Taillon are similar talents, with Walker being younger. Walker got 18 a year. Taillon got 17. I think the Cubs got the better pitcher for less, but it’s fairly close.

          5
          Reply
        • bryan c

          3 years ago

          If you think so. Walker allowed 41 HR between 21-22 in a pitcher’s park. Taillon had similar ERA in AL with DH while Walker got to face a pitcher up until last year. And even you said Taillon will get way more. Phillies massively overpaid for Walker who was generating nearly zero interest yet. Enjoy that fly ball pitcher at CBP

          1
          Reply
        • bryan c

          3 years ago

          I mean they also could have had Bogaerts or Swanson for far less money and years. I agree that Turner is a better player but not that much better than the differential I believe each deal ends up. It’s like the Mets jumping the gun on Lindor but he was two years younger and signed for one less year. Being hyper aggressive will cost in the end. Good team on paper for a couple years but then what as these guys age?

          2
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          They add more years to lower the AAV. 27 a year for Turner is not bad at all. Of course he’ll be awful in his later years, but league average salaries will be close to 25 by then. The surplus War they get from Turner at the front of that contract could potentially make that deal a steal., just like the Harper deal.

          As for Walker, I didn’t love the deal, and I do think Taillon is slightly better and Taillon is getting paid slightly less, so it’s a good deal for the Cubs, but let’s not act like 68 million is drastically different from 72 million for a big market club. Both teams are paying current market prices for a #4 SP. I like the Cubs move slightly better.

          1
          Reply
        • bryan c

          3 years ago

          Fair enough. They just could have been a bit patient and still wound up in a very similar spot for much less money. Hey, that’s their right

          Reply
        • CaptainJudge99

          2 years ago

          I definitely agree with you. I definitely prefer Taillon over Walker. Cubie fans no worries, you’ll love em’

          2
          Reply
      • bigjonliljon

        3 years ago

        Inflation is everywhere

        3
        Reply
      • User 3044878754

        2 years ago

        The Guardians were in it until the end as finish as they finish as the first runner-up. They’ll now pivot to Corey Kluber to fill their 5th rotation spot.

        1
        Reply
        • IndianRye

          2 years ago

          I genuinely hate you as a person oic.

          Reply
      • CaptainJudge99

        2 years ago

        Great deal. The Yankees should have offered him the QO, for draft pick compensation. They we’re scared he would of accepted it. I would of been fine with Taillon in pinstripes for another year though.

        1
        Reply
      • TheMan 3

        2 years ago

        What’s the over-under on the number of home runs that fly out of Wrigley from Taillon’s pitching?

        Reply
        • mike127

          2 years ago

          3

          Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 years ago

      Probably won’t be a overpay. Just paying full retail instead of hitting the bargain outlets.

      5
      Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        Dream GM

        I think that’s right. No bargains to be had here, but not likely a massive overpay.

        7
        Reply
      • rondon

        3 years ago

        They’re all being overpaid now. The Degrom signing reset the whole pitching market.

        3
        Reply
    • DarkSide830

      3 years ago

      Taillon’s gonna get a deal very similar to the one Walker got.

      1
      Reply
      • bryan c

        3 years ago

        Except he is a way better pitcher and got less. Way to go aggressive Phil’s. LOL

        1
        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          I wouldn’t say way better and he’s also older, but I still think it’s a good deal for the Cubbies.

          3
          Reply
        • CaptainJudge99

          2 years ago

          I guess with all that being said. I would much be happier being a Phillies fan instead of a Cubs fan right now. Unfortunately my NL team will always be the Cubs. Lol

          1
          Reply
    • ACK

      3 years ago

      4 years $68 mill is a nice signing. The free market is what the free market is. You have to pay market value or you don’t sign FA’s.

      8
      Reply
      • RobM

        3 years ago

        Teams that quibble on what they believe the market price should be compared to what the actual market price is will always finish second.

        10
        Reply
        • .

          3 years ago

          Rob, anything less than 100 mil these days does not qualify as quibbling.

          3
          Reply
        • RobM

          3 years ago

          I mean, it looks like $68MM total is going to equal one year of Aaron Judge. : -)

          9
          Reply
        • .

          3 years ago

          10/680 for Judge!!!

          9
          Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          3 years ago

          I’m going 20/$2Billion in Bitcoin

          Maybe $1 Billion in free Chick Fil A as a bonus.

          4
          Reply
        • Lefty_Orioles_Fan

          3 years ago

          And a Condo that FTX used to own

          4
          Reply
        • .

          3 years ago

          Clip, that is perfect. And his crypto wallet can be held on FTX!

          3
          Reply
        • RobM

          3 years ago

          The $1 billion didn’t get my attention, but the free Chick Fil A sure did.

          7
          Reply
        • .

          3 years ago

          I’m buying a deep fryer tomorrow. Can’t take this fried goodness talk anymore!

          3
          Reply
        • .

          3 years ago

          Lefty, as long as Caroline the “Crypto Queen” and her polyamorous ways is still residing there.

          5
          Reply
        • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

          3 years ago

          Chick Fil A is overrated.

          4
          Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          3 years ago

          Logjammer, you take that sacrilegiousness outta here!

          5
          Reply
        • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

          3 years ago

          Sorry but Popeyes and raising canes > chick fil a. For some reason they sell burgers now. Even though they made a handful of “eat more chik’n” commercials.

          Not sure you can call it a burger when it has grilled pineapple on it.

          1
          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          3 years ago

          @RobM tell that to Chaim Bloom

          1
          Reply
        • slider32

          3 years ago

          Bottom line- teach you kid how to play baseball!

          2
          Reply
        • CaptainJudge99

          2 years ago

          @Trumbo- hey sounds good, becareful with that fryer buddy! I put on about 15.lbs after getting one. Lol.

          1
          Reply
      • iverbure

        3 years ago

        Don’t sign free agents is the smart thing to do.

        1
        Reply
    • Deadguy

      3 years ago

      Hey cubbies, ill trade you Matz for Taillon?

      Reply
    • TheMan 3

      3 years ago

      I admire Taillon for his resilience against injury and cancer. I felt he was a piece the Bucs should have kept for another year rather then trading him when they did, but he’s going to give up more home runs at Wrigley than any home stadium he’s ever pitched in.
      When the wind is blowing out, his hit pitches will fly off like a rocket

      4
      Reply
      • capnfatback

        3 years ago

        The numbers put Wrigley in the bottom half of ballparks in HR factor (far below Yankee stadium), but your story is a fun one. I imagined it with elves and unicorns playing ball instead of people.

        1
        Reply
    • falconsball1993

      3 years ago

      And get to the postseason every year? I’m confused what fans actually want. Dave Dombrowski is one of the best GMs of his generation. He wins everywhere he goes

      7
      Reply
      • flamingbagofpoop

        3 years ago

        he wins by going scorched earth and leaving the team in 3-5 year rebuild position

        Reply
  2. batteryoutlet

    3 years ago

    Go get him cubs and a bunch more FAs

    5
    Reply
    • Unclemike1525

      3 years ago

      He was one of a couple of guys I thought the Cubs could target. Senga being the other. But if healthy he brings solid 2-3 rotation starter potential. If they get Murphy, A SS , And a couple of relievers and have some spending capital for next year to maneuver I’ll consider it a good off season. Not a ton of moves but good ones so far. Darius Hill and Mervis could be sleepers and Velasquez struggled last year but he’s struggled at first at each level he’s gone to. Hill either lead the Minors in hits at AAA or was darn close so he gets a shot in the Spring.

      1
      Reply
      • drasco036

        3 years ago

        Id like for the Cubs to land Murphy but I think they would still need another bat even if they do grab a top shortstop. Bell for two years would have been perfect but now you’re looking at needing jd, maybe belt as a primary DH.

        Reply
        • Rsox

          3 years ago

          Sign Luke Voit and watch him mash at Wrigley

          2
          Reply
      • YourDreamGM

        3 years ago

        I will take most other playoff teams #2 over him.

        1
        Reply
        • drasco036

          3 years ago

          Cubs have the makings of a good, not great rotation… maybe they can land Senga and Steele emerges as the staff ace… but right now, even if Steele steps up like he did after the break, it’s not a rotation you feel super confident in for the playoffs.

          But then again, the Cubs still have some lifting to do on offense before I view them as a playoff team..

          1
          Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          3 years ago

          Stroman, Steele, Tallion, Wesneski and then Hendricks at best stays in Az until they need a 5th starter and the weather warms up a tad to take it easy on his bum flipper with Asad, Alzolay and Thompson carrying the load early. I’m not really counting on Hendricks at all as I think he needs surgery. Or somebody else steps up in Spring Training. It’s not bad IMO.

          1
          Reply
        • Plugnplay

          3 years ago

          Senga is on the phone with Ohtani as we speak. There talking about where he’s going to live in the OC. 😉

          3
          Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          3 years ago

          The A’s want some talent close to Major League Ready so I say, ( Sampson, Killian or Alzolay) as a starter and Ryan Jensen or Brendon Little are Major league ready and one of their young OF’s for Murphy should get it done. Sampson was an excellent starter for the Cubs and cheap which is right up Oakland’s Alley. Maybe toss in Madrigal. They should be able to get something done. If not it should get Danny Jansen as a fallback.

          2
          Reply
        • .

          3 years ago

          PlugNPlay, they are on the horn as we speak yes, but they are at a bit of an impasse regarding Laguna Beach vs Crystal Cove in regards to housing..

          Reply
        • drasco036

          3 years ago

          I think the package would be closer to Davis, Wicks, Hernandez and maybe another player.

          1
          Reply
        • Holy Cow!

          3 years ago

          Replacing Hernandez with Morel would work for the A’s.

          Reply
        • Mystery Team

          3 years ago

          Probably telling him all about that .500 culture the Angels have.

          1
          Reply
        • drasco036

          3 years ago

          I’d do that deal….

          Reply
        • Brick House Coffee Tables Inc

          3 years ago

          Killian, Jensen, McKinstry, and a Myrtle Beach infielder for Murphy. I think Killian will be fine but he’s going to need 25 starts to work things out, and the Cubs don’t have the time for that right now. The A’s can stick him in the #5 spot for 80 pitches a start and let him evolve with nobody watching.

          Reply
        • mikeyny

          3 years ago

          That package is not getting Murphy. A’s are getting a top 5 team prospect. Cubs have to include 1 of their top OF prospects (Davis, Crow-Armstrong or Canario). There are reports of 11 teams fighting for him

          Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          3 years ago

          Who do you think he is? Johnny Bench? Wicks and Hernandez aren’t going anywhere. Hernandez especially at least until the Cubs sign a SS anyway. If that’s the package then they can keep him. That’s ridiculous. Bring on Jansen cheaper or Vasquez for free. Same guy. Three top 5 prospects for a .250 catcher? Gimme a break.

          1
          Reply
        • drasco036

          3 years ago

          Davis to me is expendable… then Hernandez has a lot of upside and wicks is near mlb ready. To me, that should get it done and the Cubs probably would kick in another player off the mlb roster, not sure who.
          PCA and Alcantara should be the closest things to untouchable in our farm system. (Along with Mervis). I’m also not dealing Ben Brown

          Reply
        • drasco036

          3 years ago

          He has three years of control…

          Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          3 years ago

          I have no problem with Davis but Wicks is the Cubs best LH pitching prospect and near Major League ready. If the Cubs get a SS and have to go 6 yrs or more then Hernandez can go. Canario going down really hurt as he was better than Davis I thought anyway but now nobody knows how he ‘s going to bounce back. I was thinking Alzolay off the ML roster, A near ready reliever like Little or Jensen who were first round picks and maybe Caissie or Nwogu should be plenty to get a good fielding C in his prime. Otherwise fill the backup role this year and move on. Gomes is here til 2024 with the Cubs having the option on him in 24 and but let’s not be ridiculous.

          Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          3 years ago

          I wonder if Hawkins called Houston and offered up Happ for Urquidy even up if they’d take it? If they’re interested in Benintiendi then why not Happ? Gives the Cubs another arm and with Belli and PCA set in CF for the near future and Suzuki in RF, then fill LF with someone who is solid. Anyway it works for me.

          Reply
        • drasco036

          3 years ago

          Trading Happ makes the team worse unless they went and signed Benintiendi…. Which I would be happy with Benny on a 3-4 year deal. I imagine Canario is now at least a year and a half off, PCA could be a guy who gets called up this year but most likely a year away…
          I don’t however think we need to trade Happ for another middle of the rotation arm.

          Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          3 years ago

          Happ is on his last year of Arbitration and now is the best time to move him. He’s projected to get around 11 million so dealing him now makes total sense. Dealing him basically pays for most of Belli’s one year deal in savings and LF’s are a dime a dozen. Dealing a guy who is probably going to make a little more than 11 as he was an All Star last year frees up money for other things like relievers. His CAREER year last year was .270 average, 72 RBI’s. Won’t be hard to replace that. If they’d give Urquidy for a half year of Contreras they would be OK with a whole year of Happ.

          Reply
        • drasco036

          3 years ago

          All well and good but if you do not replace Happ, then you wasted money on Bellinger and I still don’t see the need for another middle of the rotation arm.
          I’m not against trading Happ… I’m against trading Happ and becoming worse. And you cannot go and contradict yourself by saying “trade Happ” and “left fielders are a dime a dozen”. If that were true, no one would trade for Happ. Also, looking at the free agent list, aside from Benny, it’s bad.
          You just don’t like Happ.

          2
          Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          3 years ago

          Urquidy could replace Thompson as the Long man-spot starter role and free him up for the rotation which would then be Stroman-Steele-Tallion-Thompson-Wewsneski-Wicks. Works for me.

          Reply
        • MLB Top 100 Commenter

          2 years ago

          No way giving up on Alzolay or Christian Hernandez.

          1
          Reply
  3. TrillionaireTeamOperator

    3 years ago

    I think a quickie 4 year/$58M deal comes together between the Cubs and Taillon.

    1
    Reply
    • davidk1979

      3 years ago

      Much more

      6
      Reply
      • PhanaticDuck26

        3 years ago

        100 mil, if Walker just got 72

        4
        Reply
        • MLB Top 100 Commenter

          3 years ago

          No, I think Taillon gets Walker’s deal, but not more

          5
          Reply
        • put it in the books

          3 years ago

          Walker is better and younger

          2
          Reply
        • Ry.the.Stunner

          3 years ago

          Younger? Yes. Better? Debatable. Taillon has a better career ERA, ERA+, and FIP.

          4
          Reply
        • Bryzzo2016

          3 years ago

          Taillon is already better than Walker with a higher ceiling. The numbers don’t lie and neither do the peripherals. Age doesn’t matter as both with be in their prime. Chicago isn’t signing this dude to a 7-8 year deal.

          1
          Reply
        • rct

          3 years ago

          Walker has had more success than Taillon. I doubt Taillon’s deal would be that much higher than Walker’s.

          Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          3 years ago

          How do you reckon that Walker has had more success, rct?

          Walker has had 54 wins and 50 losses.

          Taillon has had 51 wins and 35 losses.

          Walker has three more wins, but he’s also had 15 more losses, so Taillon’s W-L% is better.

          Taillon also has a lower ERA and FIP, and a higher fWAR.

          2
          Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 years ago

          MannyBeingMVP: You almost nailed this right on, man. Good job. This was a really tough one given the market and I thought he was going to surpass Walker. You’re voted MLBTR Board GM

          1
          Reply
        • Pads Fans

          3 years ago

          Wins and losses? Seriously? The 19th century called. They want their horse and buggy back.

          Taillon – 4.08 ERA/4.16 FIP/100 ERA+ in 61 starts the past 2 seasons
          Walker – 3.98 ERA/4.11 FIP/99 ERA+ in 58 starts the past 2 seasons

          These guys are interchangeable back of the rotation starters.

          2
          Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          3 years ago

          As I typed my reply to rct, I knew in the back of my mind that someone might come back with that too-predictable response, misconstruing the subject of the exchange.

          So, let’s revisit the conversation.

          “Walker has had more success than Taillon.”

          Note what’s under discussion: “more success”

          He didn’t say Walker was a better pitcher than Taillon; he said he had more success. And what’s success in an athletic contest? Winning.

          A technically brilliant prizefighter might outbox his opponent for 14 rounds, but if he gets knocked out in the 15th round, does anyone say he won?

          Who has the better career W-L%? Taillon.

          And who has the higher career Wins Above Replacement rating by both Baseball Reference’s and Fangraphs’ calculations? Taillon.

          You cherry-picked two seasons out of Taillon’s six seasons and out of Walker’s 10 seasons.

          But when rct said “more success,” he spoke in quantitative terms: i.e., “more” as opposed to “less.” Obviously, then, the discussion has to be about their respective careers, not just the last two seasons arbitrarily isolated from the rest of their major league experience.

          In 10 seasons, Walker has accumulated 10.4 Wins Above Replacement.

          In six seasons, Taillon has accumulated 13.7 Wins Above Replacement.

          Again, Taillon has MORE quantitatively.

          And if you want to be mercenary about it, Fangraphs puts the dollar value of Taillon’s career WAR at $109.7 million, while they put the dollar value of Walker’s career WAR at $83.2 million

          Again, MORE quantitatively (ask your financial adviser if you don’t believe me).

          And even if we were to define “more success” in terms of averages, Taillon has a lower career ERA, FIP and SIERA, and a higher ERA+.

          More success, that’s all we were talking about, bro.

          K?

          6
          Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          3 years ago

          P.S.

          I should’ve specified that Walker’s career 10.4 WAR and Taillon’s career 13.7 WAR were Fangraphs’ calculations.

          By Baseball Reference’s calculation, Walker has accumulated 9.8 WAR, and Taillon has accumulated 12.1 WAR.

          In both cases, Taillon is credited with MORE.

          Reply
      • TrillionaireTeamOperator

        3 years ago

        I would be surprised if he tops 4 years and $18M AAV but even that is only if there is fierce competition for his services, so I am still leaning toward a $14.5M AAV.

        But yeah he may get lucky and wind up with like 5 years/$94M or something.

        1
        Reply
      • myaccount2

        3 years ago

        Is $2.5M more a season “much more” or no?

        Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      3 years ago

      Much higher in this market. Taillon will get 20 a year.

      1
      Reply
      • TrillionaireTeamOperator

        3 years ago

        Yeah. Might get to 5 years/$100M or 4 years/$100M or 5 years/$115M….

        2
        Reply
        • .

          3 years ago

          7/197

          Reply
      • myaccount2

        3 years ago

        He didn’t even come close to your prediction, Von.

        Reply
        • PhanaticDuck26

          3 years ago

          didn’t come close to mine, either. I didn’t think the Phils ‘overpaid’ for Walker until I saw the Taillon contract… I really wonder if the Phils FO office really considers Walker the better option, or if they, too, just expected Taillon to get significantly more (therefore making Walker seem like a ‘bargain’)

          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          I said 18-20, he got 17. That’s fairly close, but yes, to your point, I like this deal.. Good job, Cubs.

          Reply
        • myaccount2

          3 years ago

          You’re right, you weren’t actually off by too much per year. But I only saw you state “Taillon will get 20 a year” above.

          Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        3 years ago

        Well I was off by a bit. 17 a year. I like this deal.

        Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 years ago

      Half the gms need to be fired if he gets 4/58. Mlbtr staff predicted about the same so they should get celebrated.

      1
      Reply
    • RobM

      3 years ago

      Not too far off Trillionaire. $68 million total. In this market, I think it’s a decent deal for the Cubs.

      4
      Reply
    • .

      3 years ago

      TTO, kinky little deal but I like it!

      Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      3 years ago

      TTO: You almost nailed this right on, man. Good job. This was a really tough one given the market and I thought he was going to surpass Walker. You’re voted MLBTR Board GM

      2
      Reply
      • YourDreamGM

        3 years ago

        Let’s celebrate tto being 10 million off and also flip flopping to 5/94. Then 5/115

        While MannyBeingMVP was closer being only 4 million off.

        Nothing personal tto just saying.

        1
        Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          3 years ago

          You’re right, my apologies. I completely missed Manny’s post in the middle postulating the 4/$72MM!

          Manny for the win! Both were closer than I was so I still suck at this game.

          We have our GM and Asst GM of the Boards….

          4
          Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 years ago

          Mannys my boy and I couldn’t keep silent on that injustice. Tto was up to 4 years 100 million at last count. A few more hours he might have surpassed the TrumboJumbo prediction. Manny is our gm. Can’t have a indecisive gm.

          2
          Reply
        • TrillionaireTeamOperator

          3 years ago

          For the record I was personally estimating 4 years/$58M but I blinked on that and assumed it’d bloat a lot due to the market.

          The 4/$100M, etc. stuff was me assuming it’d bloat like a few other contracts have thus far this winter with pitching at such a premium (like Heaney getting $12.5M and up to $17M a year, etc. and Taillon being objectively better than Heaney)

          I was ultimately low by $2.5M a year.

          1
          Reply
  4. VonPurpleHayes

    3 years ago

    I think he’s the best option of these 2nd tier FA SPs, but obviously it’s all contract dependent.

    6
    Reply
    • HalosHeavenJJ

      3 years ago

      Agreed. Safest bet to give consistent, quality innings.

      5
      Reply
      • PhanaticDuck26

        3 years ago

        I would have preferred the Phils to go for Tai llon over Tai juan, especially if they end up with the same contract. Surprised the Cubs are winning this one, with so many clear contenders in need of a Taillon type pitcher

        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          I agree,but Taillon will get a bigger contract by a decent margin.

          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 years ago

          I was wrong. He got a slightly smaller deal. Good job, Cubs.

          Reply
      • stymeedone

        3 years ago

        He’s already had 2 TJ’s, so I wouldn’t call it the “safest” bet!

        Reply
  5. RyanD44

    3 years ago

    I’m guessing 4 years at $16m/year ($64m total)

    1
    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      3 years ago

      I think a bit higher 75-80.

      2
      Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      3 years ago

      I think it’s higher, especially considering what Heaney/Walker received.

      2
      Reply
      • TrillionaireTeamOperator

        3 years ago

        Good point. If Heaney got (up to) $17M a year or whatever, and Walker got $18M AAV, Taillon could actually get up to $25M AAV on a 4 year deal… yeesh.

        2
        Reply
      • .

        3 years ago

        3/80 Clip

        Reply
  6. Angels fan 75

    3 years ago

    If walker is at 4/$72, tallion is probably 4/$75

    1
    Reply
    • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

      3 years ago

      Should be way more IMO due to K-BB ratio and his consistency (I’m not saying Walker’s contract is a good reference, but he should make way more regardless)

      Reply
    • Bryzzo2016

      3 years ago

      Yeah, I was thinking the same.

      Reply
    • RyanD44

      3 years ago

      Walker didn’t have a QO attached to him. Taillon does.

      Reply
      • Ry.the.Stunner

        3 years ago

        No he doesn’t. Taillon did not receive a QO.

        1
        Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 years ago

          I think they should have given him the QO. Figured he wanted years anyways but 1 year 20 million wouldn’t be awful if he accepted.

          2
          Reply
        • RobM

          3 years ago

          I agree. Surprised the Yankees didn’t extend one.

          2
          Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        yanksgoyard.com/2022/12/05/yankees-rumors-jameson-…

        3
        Reply
        • TheDogDays

          3 years ago

          What the hell?? I just assumed …

          Reply
  7. In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

    3 years ago

    He has an excellent strikeout to walk ratio. Geography seems to matter a lot to these guys, so if he has family or a home nearby, he will be underpaid. Otherwise, if another team has the leg up, he will have to be overpaid. What a strange trend developing in MLB (Kershaw is the most obvious one)

    Reply
    • HalosHeavenJJ

      3 years ago

      At a certain point you’re going to be rich no matter which offer you take.

      Being rich around family and friends is better than being slightly more rich on your own.

      6
      Reply
      • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

        3 years ago

        I hope the player’s union doesn’t go on strike over this. I wouldn’t be surprised, given how low they stooped by not allowing ARod to take a pay cut to leave the Rangers.

        1
        Reply
  8. Voice of Reason

    3 years ago

    Oh my god. Ricketts reportedly tells Hoyer to spend whatever it takes to put a winner on the field and Hoyer immediately signs Bellinger and Taillon. What a joke.

    6
    Reply
    • Bryzzo2016

      3 years ago

      Haha, clown. Do you really think Taillon and Beli are the extent of their off-season? Most of the top FAs are still on the board. Relax.

      4
      Reply
      • TheDogDays

        3 years ago

        Agreed. Sounds like they’ll get one of the shortstops.

        3
        Reply
        • Bryzzo2016

          3 years ago

          Yep, it’s looking that way. It seems like the dam will break once Judge finally makes up his mind.

          Reply
        • padam

          3 years ago

          Even if they got one of the available SS’s, they still need much more.

          2
          Reply
        • stymeedone

          3 years ago

          FA aren’t the only way to acquire players. Trades will start happening once the top names are off the board.

          Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      Taillon would be a very solid signing. If it is less than or around $80 million it would be ok with me.

      Bellinger is just a stopgap until the three young OF prospects are ready, PCA, Davis and Alcantara. You can grouse Belli if you think his signing prevents other ones, but it maybe only a $5 million overpay so it is no excuse for the Cubs not to address other needs.

      2
      Reply
    • RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame

      3 years ago

      VOR-He’s been the same way since his Padres days. He’s a scrap buyer. A third or fourth starter chaser only hoping for lightning in a bottle. I’d be absolutely shocked if he gets one of the SS’s the way he approaches free agency.

      Reply
  9. rememberthecoop

    3 years ago

    I would rather have Bassett I think. BUt the Cubs better get somebody!

    3
    Reply
  10. CC Ryder

    3 years ago

    It looks as if the Cubs are trying to improve. However it seems like while they will spend some money they aren’t yet willing to spend MONEY and go after the big boys.

    Reply
    • Bryzzo2016

      3 years ago

      Too early to say that. Still many of the “big boys” still on the board.

      Reply
    • Capi

      3 years ago

      Getting the big boys don’t guarantee anything either. Jason Heyward used to be one of them big boys at some point.

      1
      Reply
      • Bryzzo2016

        3 years ago

        Odd take. Nothing is guaranteed in the winter. Heyward was a negative BUT still helped them win a ring and go to 3 straight NLCS. Lester, Zobrist turned out to be pretty good winter signings.

        2
        Reply
        • CC Ryder

          3 years ago

          Heyward was part of history. Plus off the field talk to the team during World Series rain delay was crucial according to his teammates

          Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 years ago

      Could be an expensive average team.

      2
      Reply
      • rondon

        3 years ago

        Haters gotta hate.

        1
        Reply
  11. cubfanforever

    3 years ago

    Would be a nice addition to the rotation.
    How about Syndergaard too?

    1
    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      I don’t think Thor would be very good at Wrigley. I like Taillon much better.

      1
      Reply
  12. PinstripedPride

    3 years ago

    I never did think that Taillon was coming back to the Yankees. He was a solid back-end starter with potential to be better, and his services were much appreciated.
    Best wishes to you, Taillon!

    5
    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      Respectfully, they should have QO’ed him. Like the Dodgers did with Tyler Anderson. They would have lost him anyway but still.

      3
      Reply
      • TheDogDays

        3 years ago

        Terrible decision, completely undervaluing the market.

        2
        Reply
        • MLB Top 100 Commenter

          3 years ago

          And Taillon is just old enough that no way he would have taken the QO

          2
          Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 years ago

      Not giving him a qo pretty much said we don’t want you back.

      1
      Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        I am guessing that they were saving their money for Judge.

        2
        Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 years ago

          Maybe. But would he have accepted it anyways? Are they not going to address the starting rotation? Don’t have enough for him and Judge? I don’t have a strong opinion on it. Just found it interesting.

          Reply
      • Pads Fans

        3 years ago

        Not making him an offer also said that.

        1
        Reply
  13. Try hard Cubs fan 2

    3 years ago

    After virtually sitting out the FA market last year,this is a good day.would be great if we could get Xander and/or Swanson

    2
    Reply
    • Ry.the.Stunner

      3 years ago

      We didn’t “virtually” sit out the FA market. We signed Suzuki and Stroman, and also grabbed Miley and Robertson. There weren’t any top elite tier acquisitions, but that’s certainly not virtual inactivity by any means either.

      3
      Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        Miley was a waiver claim, but I agree with your overall point. They were active, just not as active as a very large market team should be.

        Reply
      • Try hard Cubs fan 2

        3 years ago

        Yeah, you’re right seemed like a life time ago.I only watched a handful of games last year, hopefully the Cubbies are watchable this year

        Reply
    • Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher

      3 years ago

      Go for Swanson. He’ll hit 30HR playing half his games at Wrigley. Plus he’s a GG SS and a GG teammate. The North Siders will love him. Braves better not be playing another cat and mouse game with him like they did with Freeman last year. Lose Swanson and that’s two big PR black eyes in a row.

      Reply
    • This one belongs to the Reds

      3 years ago

      Word is they are after both and will have Xander play third.

      They are spending crazy money like the Phillies.

      Reply
  14. richardc

    3 years ago

    The other article got too long, so let me ask you guys your opinion on this…

    Which rotation would you rather have??

    Wheeler, Nola, Suarez, Walker, and Falter/Painter/Abel/McGarry

    OR

    Fried, Wright, Strider, Morton, and Soroka/Muller/Anderson/Elder/Tarnok

    I’m just curious what other non-Braves/Phillies fans think…

    Reply
    • In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

      3 years ago

      I would take the first one due to upside. Ranger Suarez was lights out in 2021.

      Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        And it is not just because his name is “Ranger’?

        2
        Reply
    • TheDogDays

      3 years ago

      Braves though I hope it works out for the Phillies .

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        3 years ago

        The Braves rotation in 2023, but the upside of Painter, Abel, McGarry may change that.

        1
        Reply
    • Unclemike1525

      3 years ago

      Braves

      Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      Wheeler
      Fried
      Strider
      Nola
      Wright
      Suarez

      For 2023, Atlanta by a small margin

      1
      Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 years ago

      The Braves rotation that is going to win the division again.

      Reply
      • MLB Top 100 Commenter

        3 years ago

        Atlanta, Phillies and Mets all seem like 90+ game winners. Injuries will be the difference. If Harper comes back 100%, I like the Phillies for the division based on today’s rosters. But I expect Atlanta and the Mets to make moves between now and April that could have me move the Phillies down to second or third.

        1
        Reply
  15. mgomrjsurf

    3 years ago

    Does MLB Network break in to talk about this deal or have to wait intil Hot Stove tomorrow. Also could sign 2 SS.

    Reply
    • Plugnplay

      3 years ago

      If not, I’ll talk about it with you 😉

      Reply
  16. 10centBeerNight

    3 years ago

    Central wide open. Great to see teams playing to win!

    2
    Reply
    • CardsFan7

      3 years ago

      I don’t think wide open is the word. Cards still pretty heavy favorites here

      Reply
      • flamingbagofpoop

        3 years ago

        No bias, of course.

        2
        Reply
    • CardsFan7

      3 years ago

      I’d still consider the cardinals to be heavy favorites

      Reply
    • Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher

      3 years ago

      Still waiting for the Reds to join that party. Gonna be a long summer in the Queen City.

      Reply
  17. BirdieMan

    3 years ago

    And what are the Dodgers doing after losing Turner, Turner, and Heaney? A great big steaming bowl of nothing!

    1
    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      3 years ago

      Dodgers regular season division winning margin
      Trea Turner 2022 WAR 4.9
      Tyler Anderson 4.3
      Justin Turner 2.0
      Cody Bellinger 1.2
      Andrew Heaney 0.7
      Craig Kimbrel 0.2
      Sub-total 13,3
      2022 margin minus FA losses measured by WAR; 22 – 13.3 = 8.7 game lead, leaves winning division by 8.7 games
      (before additional signings by Dodgers and Padres)

      1
      Reply
      • Pads Fans

        3 years ago

        And before adding Tatis back into the Padres lineup.

        Reply
  18. bwmiller

    3 years ago

    nice sign for the Cubs, my favorite pitcher not on the White Sox, now he’s northsider

    1
    Reply
    • bwmiller

      3 years ago

      maybe Taillon will get big Lance in the crosstown classic? Be a good pitching matchup.

      1
      Reply
  19. rickoppelt

    3 years ago

    Well well well look who finally came back to play baseball. It’s a start, all of this… but they were starting to remind me of Pittsburgh.

    Reply
    • flamingbagofpoop

      3 years ago

      Yeah, signing Stroman and Suzuki was very Pittsburgh like…

      Reply
  20. User 3663041837

    3 years ago

    Great get when healthy. 4 year 75-80 my guess in this market.

    Reply
    • User 3663041837

      3 years ago

      Damn I went too high in price. Thought he would get more than Walker.

      Reply
  21. Citizen1

    3 years ago

    Cubs have 2 maybe 3 starters and no catcher. Gonna be a long season. Just add an infield, rf, lf and bullpen.

    1
    Reply
    • Ry.the.Stunner

      3 years ago

      Stroman, Steele, Sampson, Thompson, Hendricks, Wesneski…

      They have plenty of valid options.

      Reply
      • Dunk Dunkington

        3 years ago

        Got Brown, possibly Wicks and others too.

        Reply
    • shanen

      3 years ago

      No catcher? Gomes was great with that emits staff in 2022. Better catcher than Willy.

      Reply
      • Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher

        3 years ago

        Cubs should sign Barnhart for C. Great defense and a bat that isn’t too shabby.

        Reply
        • Ry.the.Stunner

          2 years ago

          Not too shabby? His career offensive output is 18% below average. Over the past three seasons, it’s been 28% below average.

          Reply
    • Awesom-O

      3 years ago

      Why would they add a rf and lf? They are basically the most locked down positions on the roster.

      Reply
  22. TrillionaireTeamOperator

    3 years ago

    Well, it’s a surprisingly responsible value without Taillon giving them a discount and them not exactly overpaying.

    Reply
  23. Rsox

    3 years ago

    4/$68 seems about right for this market. The mid-tier guys are getting top-tier money and the top-tier guys are getting ridiculous money. Can’t wait to see what Judge gets

    Reply
  24. padam

    3 years ago

    Thought he’d do better than Walker. Not by much, but slightly better. Interesting off season.

    Reply
    • deGromTexasRanger

      3 years ago

      Boras got Walker paid as he does

      Reply
  25. Polarbear99

    3 years ago

    Mets asleep at the wheel as usual lol…3rd place

    Reply
  26. Devlsh

    3 years ago

    I know Taillon has had two Tommy John surgeries; how many has Taijuan Walker had? I was wondering if that might be what separates the two. I don’t know of any pitcher that has come back from three….

    1
    Reply
  27. HalosHeavenJJ

    3 years ago

    This looks like the best deal of the day. Of the last few free agent starters.

    1
    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 years ago

      I will take Velasquez. If he doesn’t work out as a starter maybe he can in pen. 3 million is nothing for the possible upside. Excluding him I don’t have a strong opinion. Taillon seems as good as any.

      2
      Reply
      • Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher

        3 years ago

        I remember when Velasquez fanned 16 batters vs. the Padres early in his initial season with the Phillies. Everyone in Philly thought we had the next Bob Gibson. Turned out we had the next Joe Cowley.

        But good gamble for the Bucs. They’ve had some success with SP they picked off the trash heap. Quintana is a good example. I wish VV well.

        1
        Reply
  28. YourDreamGM

    3 years ago

    Simon says we need some new articles.

    2
    Reply
  29. baseballencyclopedia

    3 years ago

    Yeah, I do t k ow. There has to be someone else that will give similar production for less. It may be market value, but when you have a budget, you can’t just pay market value just to sign someone. I think the thing that hurts the most is that it’s for 4 years. Year 1-2 might be okay, but I think they will regret it come year 3-4.

    Reply
  30. orange2001

    3 years ago

    Good signing. Jameson Taillon will outperform Taijuan Walker and Andrew Heaney in 2023. He’ll be a solid #2.

    2
    Reply
    • Pads Fans

      3 years ago

      #2

      R.
      O.
      T.
      F.
      L.
      M.
      F.
      A.
      O.

      1
      Reply
      • Logjammer D"Baggagecling

        3 years ago

        D
        I
        L
        L
        I
        G
        A
        F

        Reply
    • Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher

      3 years ago

      As a Phillies fan, I probably would have preferred Taillon over Taijuan Walker. Neither is worthy of being more than a solid #3 or #4. Prices for FA pitchers, both SP and RP, are crazy high. Can only imagine what Rondon is gonna get. Maybe $150 million for six years?

      1
      Reply
  31. Pads Fans

    3 years ago

    The price of a back of the rotation starter is now 4/68? Wow! How much will Darvish want for his extension and Snell in FA after next season? Musgrove is a freaking bargain.

    1
    Reply
  32. angt222

    3 years ago

    Overpay.

    Reply
  33. Steve Rogers

    3 years ago

    I don’t get what the Cubs are doing. Why block the kids path to the majors? Not to mention that Jameson Taillon has arm injuries his whole career. Sad move

    Reply
    • Brick House Coffee Tables Inc

      3 years ago

      Hendricks is gone after this year, and he may not even be ready for the start of the season. And Miley and Smiley are gone.

      Rotation is now Stroman, Steele, Taillon, Sampson, and a bunch of rookies fighting for the 5th slot. They could easily sign one more starter and push Sampson back to the bullpen as a 3-inning reliever.

      Reply
      • fearthecub

        3 years ago

        Sampson isn’t guaranteed anything in terms of role. He was DFA’d at one point last year and brought back. He finished strong, but not sure that’s enough of a sample size to buy into him fully. I hope he succeeds long term, but I believe the Cubs just brought him back as a low risk depth piece.

        I wouldn’t be surprised if they bring in a fourth pitcher (like a Smyly or Miley type) behind Stroman, Taillon and Steele. And then let everyone else (Sampson, Assad, Hendricks, Wesneski, Thompson, Alzolay, Killian, etc.) battle it out for spot 5. That way, they are also covered for depth when inevitable struggles/injuries occur.

        Reply
    • Ry.the.Stunner

      2 years ago

      Nobody’s being blocked because none of their top pitching prospects are imminent to be promoted.

      Reply
  34. Polarbear99

    3 years ago

    Mets must think that the 2 old men will start, relieve and hit in the lineup lol. Problems solved

    Reply
  35. Cora the Destroya

    3 years ago

    This article implies he’s an ace? I don’t think so.

    Reply
    • flamingbagofpoop

      3 years ago

      Reading is hard…

      “while players like Kodai Senga, Chris Bassitt, Nathan Eovaldi and Noah Syndergaard join Taillon in the next tier.”

      2
      Reply
  36. 66TheNumberOfTheBest

    3 years ago

    This Cubs plan of letting all of their good expensive players walk only to sign less good players for big money is dubious.

    Love Taillon, but 4 years after 2 TJ’s? K.

    2
    Reply
    • joes-6

      3 years ago

      Reminds me of the old Dire Straights song.

      These days it’s “Money for Nothin”. I’ll leave out the second part of the title because J-Mo a good man.

      Reply
  37. ArianaGrandSlam

    3 years ago

    This should tell there is some huge drought in the pitching market this offseason.

    Reply
    • slider32

      3 years ago

      No, I think it shows that baseball is doing very well and teams have a boat load of money to spend.’

      Reply
    • Josh5890

      3 years ago

      I think it is more that next off-season doesn’t look nearly as sexy as this one.

      Reply
  38. Macho King

    3 years ago

    Taillon is a solid 4th or 5th type starter. The Yankees have German or Schmidt to fill that role. Me, I’m just happy I don’t have to try and pronounce his name anymore lol.

    Reply
    • Yanks2

      3 years ago

      He’s a 3rd starter. Not 4th or 5th

      Reply
      • Macho King

        3 years ago

        He was 3rd in the AL in run support last season. He will not get that with the Cubs, although in Chicago he’s a number 3. In NY he’s a 4 if we’re being generous and a 5 if we’re being realistic. Last season was a career year for him, and he barely pitched in the playoffs and did mediocre when he did. But I wish him luck with the Cubbies.

        Reply
        • Yanks2

          3 years ago

          His stats were better than Cole whose the ace

          3
          Reply
        • Macho King

          3 years ago

          Ok, Taillon had a career walk year. Please do not tell me he’s better than Gerrit Cole who led the league in starts snd Strikeouts in 2022, and won 2 postseason starts for us.

          Reply
        • Ry.the.Stunner

          2 years ago

          Nobody was looking at wins, which is the only stat relevant to “run support”. He had a 3.91 ERA in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. And while the overall schedule is changing so teams play every other team, they’ll still play against the weak NL Central the most often.

          Reply
  39. skip55

    3 years ago

    tally ho

    Reply
  40. In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

    3 years ago

    Lower than Walker’s deal? Rather cheap imo

    Reply
  41. rememberthecoop

    3 years ago

    As a Cubs fan I say meh. Fine 3rd or 4th starter but doesn’t move the needle. All off-season we keep hearing how they’re swimming in the deep waters, but they continue to wade in the shallow end.

    Reply
  42. msqboxer

    3 years ago

    Taillon WAR 1.3 Bellinger WAR 1..2 Contreras WAR 3.9 looks to me you just got worse for a whole lot more money.

    1
    Reply
  43. admiral hopppaaa

    3 years ago

    Gross

    Reply
  44. sgtschultz

    3 years ago

    Multiple elbow surgeries, a bout with cancer and wrong side of 30. Yikes.

    1
    Reply
    • Yanks2

      2 years ago

      And still posted better stats than Gerrit Cole this year

      Reply
  45. KeithHernandezMustache

    3 years ago

    Mets potential options are dwindling. What’s left Rondon, Senga and Bassitt. I’m hoping they have a trade in the works that nobody sees coming.

    Reply
  46. jvent

    3 years ago

    What are the Mets waiting for to sign another pitcher, Rodon or Senga better be on their way to the Mets

    Reply
  47. rememberthecoop

    3 years ago

    Elin is every bit as good and he comes with only a 3 year commitment. Surprised the risk-adverse Jed Hoyer didn’t jump on that. Maybe he tried, who knows?

    Reply
  48. muskie73

    3 years ago

    Compare the stats over the past two seasons for righthanders Jameson Taillon, Taijuan Walker and Chris Flexen:

    JT 321.2 IP, 4.08 ERA, 100 ERA+, 4.2 fWAR, 3.5 bWAR
    TW 316.2 IP, 3.98 ERA, 99 ERA+, 3.9 fWAR, 3.1 bWAR
    CF 317.2 IP, 3.66 ERA, 108 ERA+, 3.7 fWAR, 4.7 bWAR

    The Seattle Mariners reportedly are shopping Flexen, who is at least two years younger than Walker and Taillon. Flexen lost some luster in August when Luis Castillo bumped Flexen from the Seattle rotation. Despite the demotion Flexen matched Taillon’s 2022 bWAR of 1.3.

    Many will point to Flexen’s drop in fWAR from 3.0 in 2021 to 0.7 in 2022. However, Walker has never posted an fWAR above 2.5 and Taillon has not exceeded 2.3 fWAR since 2018.

    The Chicago Cubs reportedly signed Taillon to a four-year. $68 million contract while the Philadelphia Phillies reportedly signed Walker to a four-year, $72 million contract.

    Flexen is guaranteed a 2023 salary of $8 million in what MLB Trade Rumors reports is his final year of team control (despite Flexen currently sitting on two years and 107 days of MLB service).

    Reply
  49. Catuli Carl

    3 years ago

    Remember when Yankees fans booed him for a two game skid in the playoffs after one of the best seasons by a Yankee ever? LOL Poor guy has Stockholm syndrome.

    Reply
    • Yanks4life22

      3 years ago

      Taillon had one of the best seasons ever by a Yankee? Are you sure you didn’t mean to post this to a Judge thread?

      Reply
      • Catuli Carl

        3 years ago

        I did indeed. Different thread on this post. The MLBTR app is a nightmare for commenting.

        1
        Reply
  50. Dock_Elvis

    3 years ago

    Buy the arms, develope the bats.

    1
    Reply
  51. Cora the Destroya

    2 years ago

    Sum up in one word: solid

    Reply
  52. Ry.the.Stunner

    2 years ago

    Also doesn’t include Smyly, so at least one player will need to be DFA’d.

    Reply
  53. drasco036

    2 years ago

    The Cubs have spent a lot of money this off-season to only marginally improve.
    I like Swanson and hope he continues to play at a high level but only adding him and Bellinger on offense really didn’t move the needle all that much. The Cubbies played over their heads in the second half to get to 74 wins. Right now I have them pegged for about 78 wins given the likelihood of regression on a handful of players.

    1
    Reply
    • bleedinblue 2

      2 years ago

      There is no such thing as playing “over their heads”. A player has to have the skills and ability to accomplish whatever they do. To say they are playing “over their head” is to say they do not actually have the skills. So, what happened was not real?

      You can say a team was lucky for a stretch of a few games or maybe a month but not for half a season. That is not luck or playing over their head. Those layers have the skills and abilities to accomplish what they did.

      1
      Reply
      • Hammerin' Hank

        2 years ago

        A prime example of a team playing over their heads was the great season had by the 2021 Giants. They predictably regressed in 2022. Luck and randomness are a part of all sports, as they have always been.

        Reply
  54. PiratesFan1981

    2 years ago

    I am going to hate facing him when Pittsburgh goes against Cubs. I don’t think the move puts them as divisional leader status, but gives them a good pitcher to help that rotation. Cards or Brewers are going to win the division as the norm. Chicago and Cincy will be a few games over/under .500 and my Pirates will be the cellar team….. again. 89 wins should win the NL central this year. So, it will come down to Brewers and Cardinals to win the division and hit that total. Cubs should be around 74 wins, Reds 60 and Pirates 48 wins.

    1
    Reply
  55. Led Hoyer

    2 years ago

    The cubs have added quite a few quality players the last few years and hopefully have steady stream of prospects hitting the majors. They got off to a brutal start last year but finished strong. I think Suzuki takes a leap this year and hopefully guys like Steele continue to improve. They need to find a bat via trade or maybe free agency.

    Reply
    • drasco036

      2 years ago

      One has to be very naive to believe the Cubs second half record was/is sustainable. Obviously, the Cubs front office didn’t believe so otherwise they wouldn’t have signed Tallion or brought back Smyly when you factor in the second half surge was carried largely by their pitching and guys like Sampson, Wesneski, Assad pitching incredibly well.

      I do think there is a lot of potential within the pitching staff and relief corps, i think Happ continues to move forward as will Suzuki. Hoerner is a solid mlb player and I think Swanson will continue his power stroke and could see a slight uptick in home runs moving from the East to the central.

      The Cubs will however enter 2023 as a “good” team but not a playoff team. They needed Abreu, Bell or Martinez in addition to Swanson to move the needle enough to make them a playoff caliber offense. Unless Mervis can carbon copy his minor league season and Suzuki can emerge as a middle of the order bat as well.

      Reply

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