Cubs 'have had talks' with Red Sox, Yankees about former No. 2 overall pick

The Chicago Cubs are being tempted by two of baseball's most storied franchises as the trade deadline approaches.

Whether Chicago will be buying, selling, or holding in the remaining days before July 30 is anyone's guess. Rumor has it that many clubs -- the Cubs included -- will be waiting until the final, dramatic hours just before the deadline hit to decide on their trade status.

Chicago's general manager Jed Hoyer will have difficult decisions to make. His team is not completely out of Wild Card contention, but it's a crowded race, and Hoyer could stand to reap a healthy reward for a few of the Cubs' most prized assets .

One of those assets is starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, who is a hot commodity at present.

Taillon has been a bright spot for the inconsistent Cubs this season, accruing a 7-4 record and 3.10 ERA across 93.0 innings pitched.

Taillon, a former No. 2 overall pick, has brought experience and a collection of excellent starts to Chicago since being acquired by Hoyer in December 2022.

Other teams are well aware of Taillon's important value, including the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

Both the Red Sox and Yankees have been in discussions with Hoyer about Taillon in recent days, according to USA Today's MLB insider Bob Nightengale.

"The Boston Red Sox and Yankees have had talks with the Chicago Cubs about starter Jameson Taillon, but the Cubs are undecided whether they will be buyers or sellers," Nightengale said on Sunday.

Taillon would give an enormous boost to either Boston or New York as both teams are fighting for playoff position.

For Chicago, dealing away Taillon would be the signal that Hoyer has decided to sell and punt on the season. It will take a juicy offer from either team for Hoyer to trade Taillon, but everything is possible right now amid a wildly unpredictable deadline season.

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