Inside The Pinstripes

Jameson Taillon Could Return to AL East in Free Agency, Market Is 'Deep' For Starter

The Orioles are among a list of teams interested in Jameson Taillon, who posted a 3.91 ERA over 32 starts with the Yankees in 2022.

Max Goodman

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SAN DIEGO — The market for Jameson Taillon is heating up with a few teams emerging as favorites to land the free agent starting pitcher.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Mets, Phillies, Cubs and Orioles are clubs to watch in the Taillon sweepstakes going forward.

Taillon, 31, is coming off a solid season with the Yankees, making 32 starts with a 3.91 ERA in his second campaign with New York. He allowed 26 home runs, a new career-high, but was consistent and durable, striking out 151 batters with only 32 walks in 177.1 innings.

The right-hander mentioned at the conclusion of the 2022 season that he would "love" a chance to stick around with the Yankees this offseason. His spot in New York's rotation is still available, a vacancy behind starters Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Luis Severino and Frankie Montas. The Yankees may look to upgrade with a better arm in free agency, though, targeting the likes of Carlos Rodón and Kodai Senga with Justin Verlander and Jacob deGrom no longer available. 

Feinsand previously reported that Taillon is expected to sign a deal worth more than $56 million. The Orioles and Cubs have room for that type of contract, looking to take a step closer to contention with a veteran starter. 

Andy Martino of SNY reported on Sunday that the Mets "made a serious run" at Taillon recently as well. Since then, however, New York spent $86 million on a two-year deal for Verlander. The Phillies have also invested quite a bit of money this week, signing shortstop Trea Turner to a $300 million deal over 11 years. 

All these clubs will need to weigh the risks of signing Taillon, a right-hander that has had Tommy John twice in his career. Still, the 31-year-old showed over the last two years in pinstripes that he can hold it down in the middle or bottom of a rotation. 

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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