Following the 2022 season, the New York Mets entered an offseason of significant roster turnover, largely because several key players reached free agency.
The biggest departure was ace Jacob deGrom, while Chris Bassitt and Taijuan Walker also left, forcing the Mets to rebuild their rotation by signing Justin Verlander, José Quintana, and Kodai Senga.
One pitcher they considered pursuing at the time, Jameson Taillon, has now become available after being designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs.
Taillon, now in the fourth year of his contract, was DFA’d by the Cubs despite still being owed the remainder of his $18 million salary.
Rather than waiting for the veteran right-hander to regain his form, Chicago chose to open a roster spot, a move that could signal plans to acquire another starting pitcher—potentially one from the Mets.
Taillon revealed to the New York Post in 2023 that he believed he was close to signing with the Mets before ultimately joining the Cubs.
His experience with the Yankees had already made him familiar with New York, making the Mets a logical destination during his free agency.
With Taillon no longer in Chicago’s rotation and David Peterson enjoying a strong season aside from one rough outing, the Cubs could intensify their pursuit of Mets starters Freddy Peralta or Clay Holmes.
Chicago’s pitching staff has already helped revitalize Peterson’s career, and the organization may believe it can unlock another level from Peralta, whom it knows well from his years with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Holmes also presents an intriguing option. Although he’s drawing interest from multiple clubs, the Cubs could value his versatility.
If his transition to the starting rotation doesn’t stick, his proven track record as a closer gives Chicago another potential high-leverage bullpen weapon for a postseason run.
Chicago’s need for pitching is evident. Cubs starters have posted a 4.41 ERA this season, ranking 19th in Major League Baseball, while injuries—most notably Edward Cabrera’s hamstring strain suffered against the Mets—have further depleted the rotation and increased the urgency to add another arm before the trade deadline.
