Cubs’ Rotation Shines as Playoff Aspirations Build with Taillon Leading the Charge
CHICAGO – As the Chicago Cubs shift their focus toward building a competitive team for the future, one of the most promising aspects of their roster is the starting rotation, which has become a reliable backbone for the team. With much of the rotation expected to remain intact for the 2025 season, the Cubs’ front office sees this unit as a critical component for a club aiming to contend for the playoffs.
On Friday, right-hander Jameson Taillon continued to demonstrate why he will play a pivotal role in that future. Taillon delivered six shutout innings to guide the Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field, extending his dominant September run and further solidifying his reputation as a dependable starter.
Backed by a first-inning solo homer from shortstop Dansby Swanson, Taillon earned his 15th quality start of the season. Swanson’s home run, his 24th of the year, set the tone early, but it was Taillon’s command and precision that kept the Nationals’ offense in check. The 31-year-old allowed just two hits, struck out four, and walked none, lowering his September ERA to a remarkable 1.08 across four starts.
“It feels great to be able to go out there and help the team win,” Taillon said postgame. “I’m just trying to stay in a groove, keep working on my mechanics, and give us a chance to make a strong push here.”
Taillon’s solid performance is part of a larger trend for the veteran righty. With a season-long ERA of 3.41—his lowest since 2018 when he posted a 3.20 ERA during a career year with the Pittsburgh Pirates—Taillon has been a cornerstone of consistency for a Cubs team that has seen ups and downs throughout the season.
Manager David Ross expressed his confidence in Taillon after the game, praising the right-hander’s ability to bounce back after some early season struggles. “Jameson has really come into his own these past few months,” Ross said. “He’s been locked in, and when he’s on the mound, we feel confident that we’re in a great position to win. That’s exactly what we need from him.”
With Taillon and other key starters—such as All-Star Justin Steele and veteran Marcus Stroman—expected to return next season, the Cubs’ rotation is shaping up to be a significant strength. Stroman, who battled injuries earlier in the year but has been effective when healthy, rounds out a solid trio that could propel Chicago into playoff contention in the coming years.
For the Cubs, this season has served as a turning point. Following a stretch of rebuilding years, Chicago has shown flashes of a team on the verge of competing again. Young talent like Swanson and standout rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong provide a bright outlook for the lineup, while the veteran presence of players like Taillon and Stroman anchors the pitching staff.
Friday’s win also provided another glimpse into what the Cubs hope will be their future—a team with a balanced attack and pitching depth capable of winning close, low-scoring games. With Taillon in the driver’s seat, the Cubs have now won seven of their last ten games, inching closer to playoff contention in a crowded National League race.
As Chicago wraps up the final weeks of the regular season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the rotation holds up down the stretch. If Taillon continues his dominant form, the Cubs may have found the key to unlocking their long-term success.
For a team looking ahead to a promising future, Jameson Taillon’s resurgence has been a welcome sign, signaling that brighter days may be just around the corner for the Cubs and their fans.
