Red Sox have reportedly had trade discussions with Cubs about standout starting pitcher

Boston is reportedly showing interest in Jameson Taillon.

Craig Breslow might have his eyes set on a pitcher he helped his former employer acquire ahead of the trade deadline.

The Red Sox are one of multiple teams who’ve had discussions with the Cubs about acquiring Jameson Taillon, USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale reported Sunday.

Taillon, 32, has been a reliable arm for the Cubs in 2024. The righty’s gone 7-4 with a 3.10 ERA in 16 starts this season. He’s allowed 90 hits and 18 walks while striking out 75 hitters in 93 innings pitched.

In addition to his solid output in 2024, Taillon is under contract through the end of the 2026 season, making him even more of an enticing addition. The Cubs signed Taillon to a four-year, $68 million deal ahead of the 2023 season, when Breslow was still a part of the organization as their assistant general manager and vice president of pitching. Taillon is set to make $18 million in each of the next two seasons.

It isn’t clear how far along the Red Sox’ discussions for Taillon have gone. However, the Cubs have yet to determine if they want to be buyers or sellers at the deadline, according to Nightengale. Chicago started the season cold and is currently 47-53. But it’s only 4.5 games out of a playoff spot entering Sunday.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, are tied with the Royals for the final wild-card spot in the American League. As Boston makes a playoff push, it’s evident that it needs some help in its rotation. Tanner Houck was recently named an All-Star, and Kutter Crawford, along with Nick Pivetta, have had some strong outings as of late, helping the Red Sox hold the fourth-best ERA for a starting rotation in the majors.

However, there isn’t much depth beyond those three. While Brayan Bello’s been better in July, injuries have caused the Red Sox to start an opener or a fringe big league starter, like Cooper Criswell, every five games.

Adding Taillon would certainly alleviate some of the concerns the Red Sox have with the backend of their rotation, even if they still wouldn’t have a lefty pitcher. He’s averaged roughly 5 1/3 innings pitched in each outing he’s made since his return from Tommy John surgery in 2021.

Taillon also has some experience pitching in the American League East. The Pirates traded him to the Yankees ahead of the 2021 season, spending two seasons in The Bronx. He went 22-11 with a 4.08 ERA to go with a 1.163 WHIP and 291 strikeouts in 321 2/3 innings pitched over 61 starts.

The Yankees have also had discussions with the Cubs about possibly re-acquiring Taillon, according to Nightengale.