New York Mets showing interest in Jameson Taillon
By David Hill
The New York Mets find themselves in a difficult spot heading into the offseason.
Three spots in their rotation are currently wide open, with Max Scherzer and Carlos Carrasco the only starters under contract. Even then, both pitchers could enter free agency next year as Scherzer has a $43.3 million option for 2024. The Mets need to find some long term answers, especially as they hope to compete for years to come.
New York Mets reportedly met with Jameson Taillon
It is not a surprise that the Mets would be searching everywhere possible to find pieces for the rotation. They have already had discussions with Justin Verlander about heading to New York. Kodai Senga has been on their radar. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, that search has also included former Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon.
Taillon would not be that top of the rotation arm that the Mets need to pair with Scherzer. However, he can be a solid middle of the rotation arm, someone capable of taking the ball every fifth day as he has overcome his previous health concerns to become a dependable option.
He had a solid showing in 2022, posting a 3.91 ERA and a 1.128 WHiP over his 177.1 innings, striking out 151 batters with 32 walks. That excellent command and his high spin rates have helped offset his below average velocity as Taillon generally induced soft contact throughout the season.
Taillon also has the advantage of having been in New York. He understands what the media is like in the city and the pressure cooker that can be New York as a whole. His performance has proven that he can handle that environment, something that will be vital as the Mets are looking at a championship run of their own.
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The New York Mets need to find pieces for their rotation. Jameson Taillon may not be a star, but he would be a solid fit as a third or fourth starter.