Blue Jays acquire Taillon

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired right-hander Jameson Taillon, who has twice pitched for Canada in the World Baseball Classic, from the Chicago.

August 2, 2026

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired right-hander Jameson Taillon and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The Blue Jays made the announcement on Sunday afternoon.

The 34-year-old Taillon has posted a 5.92 ERA in 15 starts with the Cubs this season.

Though he was born in Lakeland, Fla. and drafted out of The Woodlands, Tex., Taillon has Canadian parents. His mother was born in Toronto while his father is from St. Andrews West, Ont. (near Cornwall).

He has pitched for Canada in the 2013 and 2026 World Baseball Classics. In those tournaments, he has combined to allow two earned runs in 7 2/3 innings in two starts.

Selected second overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2010 MLB draft, Taillon made his big league debut with the Bucs in 2016.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound righty has since pitched in parts of 10 MLB seasons with Pirates, New York Yankees and Cubs.

In total, he has posted a 84-66 record and a 3.99 ERA in 239 major league appearances (238 starts).

Last season, Taillon was effective starter for the Cubs, going 11-7 with a 3.68 ERA in 23 starts. He struck out 98 batters in 129 2/3 innings. He had 14 quality starts, while his 1.057 WHIP was second among Cubs’ starting pitchers. He was particularly good in the second half after returning from injuries. In six starts in August and September, he went 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA and had 24 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings.

He also had a strong start in the third – and deciding game – of the National League Wild Card Series against the Padres last fall, permitting just two hits in four scoreless innings to help the Cubs to a 3-1 win.

To make room for Taillon on the roster, the Blue Jays have transferred infielder Lenyn Sosa to the 60-day injured list.