Taillon Believed He Was Heading To Mets Before Signing With Cubs

The Chicago Cubs made Jameson Taillon a top priority, keeping him from a potential Mets signing.

Before Jameson Taillon signed a $68 million contract to join the Chicago Cubs, he was nearly headed to New York.

“I thought I was going to be a Met for a while,” Taillon told reporters at spring training in Mesa, Ariz.

Thankfully for the Cubs, Taillon joined the ever-improving Cubs rotation and will be a key addition to support Marcus Stroman, Drew Smyly, Kyle Hendricks and others.

“The Cubs made it clear from day one I was a top priority,” Taillon said. “If you can nerd-out and talk pitching with me, that really works for me. They showed me a good plan. It’s been exciting.”

Taillon will enter this season with a career 3.84 ERA over 143 starts in six seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees.

“The Cubs made a really strong first impression,” Taillon said. “I was comfortable with the Cubs. It’s a great organization and a great fit. I’m happy with the decision.”

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