Jameson Taillon, New York Yankees. (Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
Jameson Taillon’s struggles may force for the New York Yankees hand sooner than later.
The New York Yankees have not gotten good return on their Jameson Taillon investment so far.
The former prized prospect of the Pittsburgh Pirates signed a one-year deal worth $2.25 to join the Yankees this offseason. While he has pitched in more games (8) than he has in the previous two years combined (7), Taillon is 1-3 on the season with a 5.73 ERA in 37.2 innings pitched. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes the Yankees could be in the market to upgrade their rotation.
The Yankees are in a tight divisional race with the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays.
Does Jameson Taillon’s struggles mean the Yankees will address the rotation?
Feinsand writes that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman could look to upgrade the rotation if he does not think Taillon is viable long-term. New York finds itself in third place in the AL East back of Boston and Tampa Bay. Keep in mind that only five teams in the American League will qualify for the postseason this year. Thus, a trade would be a proactive move for the Yankees.
Ultimately, it really comes down to what pitchers could become available at the trade deadline. Cashman may want to solve a major issue for this team, but the starting pitching market may not be as robust as he or other teams with this concern are hoping for. While Taillon is on a relatively cheap, one-year deal, it would serve the Yankees to keep finding ways to improve their roster.
Taillon may not be dealt, but the Yankees will need more production out of his spot in the rotation.