Blue Jays trade for former Cubs $68 million starter ahead of MLB deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays have been strongly rumored to be a team expected to sell at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. But, with the deadline just a little over a day away, Toronto made a different kind of move.

Sunday afternoon, the Blue Jays announced that their first noteworthy move prior to the deadline wasn't a trade sending a veteran out, but rather the team acquiring a $68 million starting pitcher.

This trade for the Blue Jays had Toronto giving up a player to be named later or cash considerations for the Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon.

Blue Jays trade for Cubs starter Jameson Taillon

"OFFICIAL: We've acquired RHP Jameson Taillon from the Cubs in exchange for Cash Considerations. Welcome to Canada's Team," the Blue Jays announced.

Taillon is a 34-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who is in the final year of his four-year, $68 million contract.

He was recently designated for assignment by the Cubs, thanks to his brutal 5.92 ERA this season with a 2-6 record and -1.0 bWAR in 15 starts. Despite the Cubs' need in the rotation, they cut ties with a veteran starter who had a 3.68 ERA last year.

This is a low-risk move for the Blue Jays, taking a flier on a starting pitcher who once was a good middle-of-the-rotation option, but has struggled mightily this year.

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Just as the Los Angeles Dodgers have benefited from adding Eric Lauer, who the Blue Jays DFA'd earlier this year, Taillon could turn things around and be a quality rotation addition for Toronto this season.

While the first move of the MLB trade deadline eve for the Blue Jays was an addition to the big league roster, the Blue Jays should expect to still sell, with Taillon possibly taking a rotation spot for Shane Bieber or Kevin Gausman if they're traded.

This is a low-risk move for a player who could turn his season around in Toronto. And even if he doesn't, the Blue Jays taking a chance on him is well worth it based on the minimal cost to add him from the Cubs.

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• Yankees linked to Padres for potential rotation for bullpen swap
• Diamondbacks linked to Nationals’ Luis Garcia Jr. as perfect trade fit