The big righthander went 3-0 in September with an ERA under one — all while managing a back issue that cost him a tick or two on his velocity.

Taillon did not take too much time off before reporting to Cubs camp — he worked on regaining some of his pitch speed.

He knows the time is now for the team to produce, with mounting expectations.

“I think it’s like healthy to have a sense of urgency. I think that’s, you know, the right way to show up in camp. I think it’s OK to like voice expectations,” Taillon said. “I think we have a really good group of guys, and I think it’s time for us to like put that on the field and make a run in the playoffs.”

The annual preseason PECOTA projections said the Cubs are expected to win 90 games and the National League Central Division title this year. Taillon said while such projections are encouraging, playing the game is most important.

“I’ve seen them, you know, and I know those formulas and stuff are pretty good. But like, I thought we should have won the division last year, so, and that’s why you go out and you play the games on the field,” Taillon said. ” I do think like the projections reflect that we have a lot of talent in this room, and you can’t deny it. But you also have to stay healthy. You have to go out on the field. You have to get things done when it really counts. So the game’s played on the field, but I do think the projections just let us know that hey, like, the pieces are here.”

The Cubs play the Los Angeles Dodgers in spring training in Arizona on Thursday.

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• Chicago Cubs
• Spring Training
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