Categories: Rumors

Phillies reportedly interested in Jameson Taillon

The Philadelphia Phillies have Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suárez slotted into the top three spots in their rotation, and No. 1 overall prospect Andrew Painter looming.

But as Dave Dombrowski attempts to improve the roster of the reigning National League Champions, he’s apparently still looking to add more starting pitching.

Mark Feinsand said in an appearance on MLB Network that the Phillies are one of the teams that he’s heard connected to free-agent righty Jameson Taillon:

Taillon was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, between Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. He spent parts of four seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, before being traded to the New York Yankees prior to the 2021 season.

In his first season in the Bronx — and back from Tommy John surgery — Taillon underwhelmed, posting a 4.30 ERA and 4.43 FIP across 144 1/3 innings. However, he had a much better second season with the Yankees, finishing with a 3.91 ERA and 3.94 FIP over 177 1/3 innings.

Over on Audacy Sports, I projected that Taillon will receive a four-year/$60 million deal, with Feinsand reporting yesterday that he’s likely to top the four-year/$56 million deal that Jon Gray got from the Texas Rangers last winter. He recently turned 31, so a four-year deal would put him under contract through his age-34 season.

The Yankees did not extend a qualifying offer to Taillon, so the Phillies wouldn’t have to surrender draft compensation if they were to sign him.

Zach Eflin departed to sign a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday evening, and both Noah Syndergaard and Kyle Gibson are also free agents. Matt Gelb of The Athletic

says that the Phillies are “pursuing numerous mid-rotation starters.” Taillon fits that bill pretty well.