Blue Jays Swing Their First Deal of Trade Deadline

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a deal on the day before the MLB Trade Deadline, bringing on board a distressed asset in starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. 

OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired RHP Jameson Taillon 🇨🇦 and cash considerations from the Cubs in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

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Taillon was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs last week, and the Jays have decided to take him on, despite his $18 million salary this season (about $5.6M left pro-rated). The Cubs will cover some of that remaining salary by sending some cash to the Blue Jays. 

The 10-year veteran starter didn't expect his 2026 to go the way of a DFA, but the Cubs were really left with no option after his 5.92 ERA. He was in the final season of the four-year, $68M deal.

In 76 innings over 15 starts this season, Taillon been dreadful, giving up a National League-leading 25 homers. The final straw for the Cubs came in the 34-year-old's last start, in which he was demolished for seven runs and another three homers in four innings by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He does have a career ERA, over 10 MLB seasons, of 3.99. 

The Jays will send a player to be named later or cash considerations to the Cubs in exchange.