After a rough season, Chicago Cubs starter Jameson Taillon has been designated for assignment. Now, the Cubs’ rotation options become increasingly important. This should not come as too much of a surprise, as Taillon was having a tough year. Yesterday, manager Craig Counsell announced that they would evaluate the rotation to determine what is needed for the rest of the season. Clearly, that happened quickly. The pressure will now be on the Cubs’ rotation to step up to the challenge. For the time being, though, we’ll say that Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Colin Rea, and David Peterson have the first four spots.
Taillon’s DFA Puts Pressure on Cubs Rotation
The need for starters has long been documented for Chicago, as it has been one of the Cubs’ biggest weaknesses this season. Additionally, it has been discussed that Taillon was one of the main reasons for that. His career with the team has been up and down, but last year, he was one of the most important pitchers down the stretch of the regular season. He also made crucial starts in the postseason last year. While this season was not so good, he was still an important player for his three and a half seasons on the North Side.
Today’s roster moves presented by @NuveenInv: pic.twitter.com/aXta0axYbs
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 27, 2026
Despite the presence he brought to Chicago, it was a much-needed move. He was a free agent following this season, so the likelihood was that he was nearing his end with the Cubs. In 2026, he has allowed 25 home runs in 76 innings. His 2-6 record and 5.92 ERA were both well below where the team needed them to be. Ultimately, it reached the point that the Cubs could not handle it anymore, as they are in the middle of a critical push for the National League Central crown. Luckily, there are a few solid Cubs rotation options who will try to deliver meaningful games.
Diving Into the Cubs Rotation Options
Edward Cabrera
While he is still injured, one of the latest Cubs injury updates is that Edward Cabrera could be returning soon. Once he comes back, he is guaranteed a starting spot. Despite his tough season, Chicago invested too much to not give him the chance. Technically, he would not be filling the gap created, just taking back his spot. That being said, it is hard to say when they can count on him to pitch. Once he does come back, the rotation would be in for a change once again. With that in mind, we can ignore him for the time being and focus on who will fill Taillon’s spot.
Right-hander Edward Cabrera (hamstring strain) will begin his rehab assignment Friday at Triple-A Iowa.
Counsell said he will likely need 3 rehab starts before rejoining the Cubs rotation, keeping him on track for a mid-August return.
— Meghan Montemurro (@MegMontemurro) July 27, 2026
Javier Assad
As of now, this feels like the most likely option. Javier Assad is going to fill in for the time being. His time in Chicago has been impressive this season, as he is 6-1 with a 3.86 ERA. Any time the Cubs have needed him to step up, he has delivered. If the Cubs decided to go with him for the rest of the season, then it would likely be a solid move. However, it has seemed like they do not fully trust him, as he has not maintained that role for much of the season so far. So while he is the first option, it is important to look at some of the other Cubs rotation options.
¡Javier Assad baja la cortina! 🔒⚾
El tijuanense lanzó 3.0 entradas, permitió un solo hit, recetó 3 chocolates🍫🍫🍫 y consiguió su primer salvamento de la temporada. pic.twitter.com/lcBb9yfajv— MLB México (@MLB_Mexico) July 26, 2026
Aaron Civale
Another veteran option is Aaron Civale. In a move to strengthen the bullpen, Chicago acquired the veteran reliever a few weeks ago after he struggled with the Athletics. On the season, he is 5-7 with a 5.35 ERA. His time with the Cubs has also seen mixed results, but he has still given valuable length. It could be hard to see him get a starting time, but his name will likely be an option for the time being. The most likely role for him will be serving as the main innings eater out of the bullpen, which has been Assad’s role.
Jordan Wicks
A less likely pitcher who could fill in is Jordan Wicks. Wicks got the chance earlier this season, and it did not go well. In 10 1/3 innings has has a 10.45 ERA. That being said, the Cubs could be interested in adding another left-handed starter to the rotation. Of all of the Cubs rotation options, he feels the least likely. To be honest, it feels like the Cubs would rather make an emergency trade than give him multiple starts, but until then, he could see some time.
Trade Route
Speaking of a trade, this feels like one of the most likely things to happen. For quite some time, the Cubs’ trade deadline outlook has included adding more pitching. Now, the need for starters becomes even more important. Chicago has been linked to nearly every starter on the market, and at this point, it feels like they will have to land one. Whoever they bring will need to be an impact player. They have the quality arms, but now they need players who can make a difference.
When looking at the top trade candidates, a few names have been linked more heavily than others. Tarik Skubal remains the top prize of nearly every contending team. He would become the ace that Chicago needs. The pair of Los Angeles Angels, Reid Detmers and José Soriano, are both intriguing options, with each having multiple years of team control. Finally, the New York Mets have Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes linked to the Cubs, and both have the upside that Chicago needs. Any of these five would go a long way in taking the rotation to the next level.
Last Word on the Cubs Rotation Options
Regardless of which Cubs rotation option gets the nod to start, it is hard to say who will have a spot locked up. Imanaga and Boyd have picked up their games recently and are both looking like the strong pitchers Chicago hoped they would be. Cabrera has the potential to stand with them; he just needs to find a way to stay healthy and become more consistent. If those three can deliver, then the Cubs’ rotation could turn the corner and help the team keep its standing among the top teams in the league.
Peterson, Rea, and Assad will likely be in competition with each other for the rest of 2026 to see who gets to be a starter and who will serve as an inning-eater out of the bullpen. Those three are all solid pitchers, but none of them are difference-makers at this point. If they decide to go the trade route, then it will likely be for an option that fits with the first group. While we knew it could be coming, the Taillon DFA puts a strain on the starting staff. Now, it will be time to see which of the Cubs’ rotation options can help sustain a playoff push.
Main Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
