The Chicago Cubs made a bold move on Monday by designating veteran pitcher Jameson Taillon for assignment. This decision clears the way for right-hander Andrew Wantz to join the active roster from Triple-A Iowa. It is a stark reminder that even a 34-year-old veteran with a big contract can be moved when results fade. The team selected Wantz’s contract to fill the immediate hole in the pitching staff.
Why Taillon Lost His Spot
Taillon struggled mightily this season, posting a 5.92 ERA across 15 starts. He allowed 50 earned runs over just 76 innings of work, which is far below the standard the team needs. Per MLB.com Cubs, these numbers show a pitcher who simply could not get hitters out consistently. Manager Craig Counsell had hinted at discussing Taillon’s future after Sunday’s game, but the final call came down to cold hard stats. The team cannot afford to keep a starter who gives up nearly six runs per game when the pennant race is tight.
Who Steps In to Pitch
Andrew Wantz arrives with a 4.32 ERA in seven appearances for the I-Cubs this year. He has shown promise with 2-1 record and 25 innings pitched in the minors. Before joining the Cubs, he was with the Tampa Bay organization and spent time with Triple-A Durham. According to Bleed Cubbie Blue, Wantz is likely just an extra bullpen arm for a few days while the team looks for options. He has made 91 appearances for the Angels from 2021 to 2024 with a 3.88 ERA in that span. This adds up to a pitcher who has major league experience but has not been a full-time starter recently.
What Comes Next for the Rotation
The Cubs now face the real challenge of finding a permanent solution for the rotation. It is entirely possible the team will trade Taillon to another club that wants to eat his contract. A team like the Angels or Giants might be interested in using him to eat up innings. In that case, the Cubs might get a minor league prospect in return for taking on his salary. Javier Assad could start against the Yankees this Friday unless a new starter is acquired first. The team will play the St. Louis Cardinals tonight at Busch Stadium, and the fans will be watching to see how the pitching staff responds to this shake-up.
Is this the right call to cut Taillon, or should the Cubs have tried to fix his mechanics instead? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
