Report: Red Sox interested in trading for veteran Cubs starter Originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
With his The focus is on starting pitching Ahead of next week’s MLB trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox have reportedly shown interest in Chicago Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon.
On Sunday, USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale wrote that both the Red Sox and New York Yankees “have had discussions with the Cubs regarding Taillon, but the Cubs have not decided whether they will be buyers or sellers.” Although the Cubs entered Monday in fourth place and 10 games out of the NL Central standings, they are just 3.5 games out of the wild-card race.
Taillon is enjoying one of the best statistical seasons of his career. The 32-year-old is 7-4 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 16 starts (93 innings). He is under contract through the 2026 season and will make $18 million in each of the next two seasons.
During his career, Taillon owns a 3.92 ERA in eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Yankees and Cubs.
First-year chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and management will likely inquire about several starting pitchers across the league over the next week. The Red Sox rotation has far exceeded expectations this season, but there is a serious need for an additional rotation arm. Swingmen Cooper Criswell and Josh Winckowski have shared time as the fifth starter, but beyond them, pitching depth is a glaring weakness.
Like Chicago, Boston is still mulling whether to buy or sell. The team is currently 6.5 games back of the AL East and one game behind the Kansas City Royals for the third wild-card spot after being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers following the All-Star break.
The Red Sox will begin a crucial three-game series on the road against the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. From there, they will host the New York Yankees for a three-game series and play the first of three games against the Seattle Mariners before the July 30 deadline. Their performance during that stretch could ultimately determine the approach of Breslow and company.
The first pitch for Monday’s series opener at Coors Field is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. ET.