**MESA, Ariz. ** – Jameson Taillon, a seasoned pitcher in the final stretch of a hefty $68 million contract, is facing the kind of spring training challenges that might tempt others to brush off with a casual, “It’s just spring.”
But Taillon isn’t built that way. With a baseball IQ that matches his solid clubhouse reputation, the Chicago Cubs knew they were investing in more than just a pitcher when they brought him on board.
Overcoming two Tommy John surgeries and a cancer diagnosis has molded him into a player who values accountability, a trait sharpened during his time in the high-pressure environment of the Yankees.
“If I just sat here and told you I don’t care,” Taillon admitted, “I’d be lying straight to your face.”
Arriving in Arizona, Taillon was seen as a stabilizing force among a mix of young and mid-career pitchers eager to prove themselves. At 34, his track record suggested reliability with no glaring health concerns looming over his recent performances.
Yet, numbers have a way of cutting through narratives. In his four Cactus League starts, Taillon has given up 23 runs on 21 hits and seven walks over just 9 1/3 innings. Even a veteran nearing a decade in the majors can’t ignore these stats.
“It matters because you’re going to face tough lineups during the season, and I need to execute pitches,” Taillon said. “If your stuff isn’t working, that’s a problem.”
The game is sending Taillon a message. Known for diving deep into his craft and analytics, he’s collaborating with Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy to refine his approach, using these spring games as a testing ground.
Interestingly, Taillon shone for Canada in the World Baseball Classic, hinting that a jolt of adrenaline might be what he needed. Meanwhile, the intense heat in Phoenix, notorious for favoring hitters, hasn’t made things easier. When a pitcher starts overthinking, it can quickly spiral.
“As you get older, you tweak and adjust,” Taillon explained. “Some of my stuff has dipped, and we’re working on bringing it back up. I need to improve my backside connection and use my lower half better.
“That said, when you’re in a game, you’ve got to compete. It’s tough to juggle everything, but I’ve always managed that balance. Right now, I’m not quite there.”
Taillon’s resilience and rapport with his team helped him recover from a rocky start with the Cubs, where he held a 6.15 ERA at the 2023 All-Star break. Since then, he’s delivered a solid 3.50 ERA over 377 2/3 innings, securing double-digit wins in consecutive seasons.
“I’m always tinkering,” Taillon said. “It’s a fine line between staying sharp and overdoing it.
I’ve overdone it a bit, but now it’s about getting back to where I know I can be. Once the season starts, I’m confident in my ability to navigate a lineup and execute pitches.”
In October, Taillon was pivotal, starting two elimination games that the Cubs won at Wrigley Field. His clutch performances were instrumental in knocking out the San Diego Padres and extending a nail-biting series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who trusts his veterans to prepare for the season, recognizes Taillon’s current struggles but remains optimistic.
“Jame-o’s had a tough spring,” Counsell said. “But we’ve got two more starts to turn this around.
Five months ago, he delivered in the playoffs. That’s still in him.
We’re working to find it.”
Until Taillon finds that elusive mechanical tweak, he’s not one to sugarcoat the situation.
“No one wants to give up 10 runs,” he reflected. “It’s not a good feeling, whether in high school or the big leagues. I’m glad it’s happening now rather than picking up the pieces during the season.”
