Jameson Taillon rumors: New York Yankees pitcher has ridiculous market
Major league teams are going to have to pay heavily in free agency if they want to add pitching. That may especially be the case with the market for New York Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Taillon is quickly becoming one of the hottest commodities on the market. He has reportedly impressed during Zoom meetings this week and could receive a larger contract than the four year, $56 million deal signed by Jon Gray last offseason.
New York Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon going to get paid
Taillon is certainly benefiting from a relatively shallow free agent pool. Justin Verlander, Carlos Rodon, and Jacob deGrom are clearly the head of the class, while Kodai Senga maybe his own tier. After that? Chris Bassitt and Taillon may be the best of what is left.
He certainly had a strong showing last season. Taillon posted a 3.91 ERA and a 1.128 WHiP in his 177.1 innings for the Yankees, striking out 151 batters with 36 walks. It was easily one of the more successful seasons he has had in his major league career.
That is part of the risk with Taillon. He has already had Tommy John surgery twice, missed the 2015 season due to hernia surgery, and battled testicular cancer in 2017. Because of those medical issues, Taillon has pitched over 145 innings just twice in the majors, that second time coming last season.
Taillon has also been just above league average in his major league career. His 107 ERA+ is seven points above average, while his OPS against, hard hit, line drive, and ground ball rates are right around the norms. While Taillon has a better than average walk rate, his strikeout rate is just below average, offsetting those marks. Taillon is, essentially, an average pitcher.
At 31 years old, it is unlikely that he will become much better. He is already in the midst of his prime and is looking at the downside of his career. There is little upside to signing him to a deal beyond what Gray has received last year.
Next. Yankees youngsters to get long look. dark
New York Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon is impressing teams thus far in free agency. He could receive a much better contract than expected.