With the news of Yankees’ star pitcher Gerrit Cole being out for the year due to Tommy John surgery, the team is facing a major setback. As they scramble to find a replacement, one name that has been circulating is current Cubs starter, and former Yankee, Jameson Taillon. While this may seem like a logical move for the Yankees, it begs the question – should the Cubs consider trading Taillon to the Yankees?
First, let’s take a look at Taillon’s performance in the 2024 season. It’s safe to say that he had a very good year. He finished with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, both of which are solid numbers for a starting pitcher. He also recorded 179 strikeouts in 167.1 innings pitched, showcasing his ability to miss bats. However, it’s worth noting that Taillon has had his fair share of injury troubles in the past, including undergoing Tommy John surgery himself in 2019. This raises concerns about his long-term durability and whether he can be relied upon as a consistent starter.
On the other hand, the Yankees are in desperate need of a starting pitcher to fill the void left by Cole. With their World Series aspirations on the line, they cannot afford to take any chances with their rotation. This is where Taillon’s history with the team comes into play. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in 2010 and spent four years in their minor league system before being traded to the Pirates in 2016. This means that he is familiar with the organization and their pitching philosophy, making it easier for him to adjust to the team.
Furthermore, Taillon has proven himself to be a reliable and consistent pitcher in the past. In 2018, he recorded a 3.20 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 191 innings pitched for the Pirates. This shows that he has the potential to be a top-tier starter when healthy. With the Yankees’ strong lineup and bullpen, Taillon could thrive in New York and help the team make a deep playoff run.
But what would the Cubs gain from trading Taillon? One possibility is that they could acquire some much-needed prospects in return. The Cubs have been struggling in recent years and are in the midst of a rebuild. Trading Taillon could bring in some young talent that could help the team in the long run. Additionally, the Cubs already have a solid rotation with the likes of Kyle Hendricks and Zach Davies, making Taillon somewhat expendable.
However, the Cubs must also consider the potential backlash from their fans if they were to trade Taillon. He has become a fan favorite in Chicago and has shown his loyalty to the team by signing a contract extension in 2023. Trading him away could be seen as a betrayal and could damage the team’s relationship with their fans.
In the end, it’s a tough decision for the Cubs. On one hand, trading Taillon could bring in valuable assets for their rebuild. On the other hand, they risk losing a reliable starter and upsetting their fan base. As for the Yankees, acquiring Taillon could be a smart move to bolster their rotation and increase their chances of winning a championship. Only time will tell if this potential trade will come to fruition, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
In conclusion, the Yankees’ need for a starting pitcher and Taillon’s history with the team make him a potential trade target. While the Cubs could benefit from trading him, they must also consider the consequences of losing a fan favorite. It remains to be seen if this trade will happen, but it’s clear that Taillon’s name will continue to be linked to the Yankees until a decision is made.
