​NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 22: Jameson Taillon #50 of the New York Yankees looks on prior to game three of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium on October 22, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 20: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs looks on while walking towards the dugout during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on July 20, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images) GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 2: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the first inning against the Athletics at Wrigley Field on June 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) GettyWASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 30: Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 30, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) GettyThe Chicago Cubs shocked much of the baseball world on Monday by announcing they had cut former New York Yankees playoff starter Jameson Taillon for assignment.From Taillon’s MLB.com transactions log: “Chicago Cubs designated RHP Jameson Taillon for assignment.”Taillon’s performance warranted Chicago’s decision to cut him loose. What made the move surprising is that the right-hander is being paid $18 million this year.Cubs surprisingly DFA former Yankees right-hander Jameson TaillonGettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 20: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs looks on while walking towards the dugout during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on July 20, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)To say Taillon, 34, has had a rough season is an understatement. In 76 innings across 15 starts this year, Taillon has posted an abysmal 5.92 ERA and a 6.74 FIP.It was time for the Cubs to remove Taillon from the rotation, but many assumed Chicago would try to trade him or keep him as a back-end bullpen arm. The Cubs’ brass decided Taillon’s struggles warranted an immediate removal from the roster.More About Jameson TaillonGettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 2: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the first inning against the Athletics at Wrigley Field on June 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)Yankees fans are very familiar with Taillon. He pitched for the Yankees in 2021 and 2022 after the Pittsburgh Pirates traded him to New York for right-hander Roansy Contreras, shortstop Maikol Escotto, outfielder Canaan Smith and right-hander Miguel Yajure on Jan. 24, 2021.In his first season with New York, Taillon posted a 4.30 ERA with a 1.21 WHP and 140 strikeouts in 144 1/3 innings across 29 starts. In his second year with the Yankees, Taillon recorded a 3.91 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP and 151 strikeouts in 177 1/3 innings over 32 starts.Taillon made two postseason appearan