There was no additional roster move, as the Cubs had an open roster spot after the Sunday trade that sent Christopher Morel to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Isaac Paredes, acquired in that trade, has not yet reported to the Cubs, though he is expected to by Tuesday in Cincinnati.
The Cubs will have to make another roster move at that point, but other moves could be in the offing as MLB’s trade deadline arrives on Tuesday evening.
In that vein, the Cubs are allowing pitcher Jameson Taillon to start against the Reds, though he has been repeatedly mentioned as a trade candidate in the days leading up to the deadline.
He has two years left on his deal at $18 million per season, but other teams have expressed interest as he’s put together a solid season for the North Siders.
He’ll take the ball barring any last-minute changes as the Cubs and Reds kick off their series at 6:10 p.m. Monday.
But the point Passan makes is important, and maybe this is the new “Moneyball,” you know, the things that Billy Beane and Theo Epstein used to do to stay ahead of other baseball executives.
Hoyer specifically noted in the statement issued in the press release announcing this deal that the Cubs were looking for “controllable players,” and they got two.
Pearson is a former No. 1 pick who hasn’t had success in MLB. Maybe the change of scenery will help.
Paredes got MVP votes last year and was an All-Star this year, and has three years of team control after 2024.
