The Chicago Cubs missed the postseason for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, and it appears that few players on the roster are secure. Following two-time Silver Slugger Cody Bellinger’s decision to exercise his $ 27.5 million player option for 2025, the Cubs have received inquiries about potential trades from the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Houston Astros, as reported by Chicago’s 670 The Score. Additionally, veterans such as Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, and Jameson Taillon are also at the center of trade rumors.
In an interview with The Athletic, Taillon commented on these ongoing speculations, noting that the team’s performance in 2024 partly fuels such discussions. He remarked, “We kind of, in a way, did this to ourselves. It’s not like we were a 100-win team and you’re seeing names thrown out there. Look, we ran a pretty similar team out there back-to-back years and we didn’t make the playoffs. So you can’t really sit here and be upset when you see things because we need to get better.”
After signing a four-year, $ 68 million contract with the Cubs in 2022, Taillon represents a high-profile veteran the team might consider trading as they seek to revamp their roster. However, much of the trade talk has centered around Bellinger, who, set to earn more than Taillon in 2025, brings significant potential with his versatility and status as a former MVP.
Taillon expressed concern about the possibility of losing Bellinger, warning the Cubs front office. “It’s crazy to talk about a former MVP like this, but he’s the ultimate insurance policy because he can play all over,” he said. “In the offseason, it might sound like a good idea or whatever, salary-wise, but you have a guy that can play all over the field. You just hope you don’t have an unfortunate situation in-season where you’re like, ‘Man, we wish we had Cody.’ We’ll see what happens.”
So far this offseason, the Cubs’ most notable move has been signing starter Matthew Boyd, but the remaining months could unfold in various ways. If the Cubs are aiming for substantial changes before 2025, trading Bellinger might be the first critical step.
As an experienced big-league player, Taillon is well aware of the business side of baseball. However, despite the Cubs’ ongoing playoff struggles, he hopes the front office does not end up regretting a trade that sends one of their top players away.
WHO WOULD THEY GET IF THIS TRADE GOES THRU THEY NEED GOOD PLAYERS NOT WANTA BEES IF YOU MAKE A TRADE THAT ONLY GIVES THE OTHER TEAM ALL THE GOOD PLAYERS AND DOESNT HELP THINK ABOUT THAT