Yankees: A look at Jameson Taillon before his Yankees debut

Jameson Taillon’s MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates began in 2016. Since, he’s had the chance to pitch alongside guys like Tyler Glasnow, Joe Musgrove, and Yankees ace, Gerrit Cole. In his rookie year, he finished 5-4 with a 3.38 ERA. In 2017, he finished 8-7 with a 4.44 ERA. The Pirates rotation was one of the best in the league. However, before the 2018 season, the Pirates dealt Gerrit Cole to the Astros. Then at the trade deadline, the Pirates acquired Chris Archer and sent Tyler Glasnow to the Rays. Taillon recorded a 14-10 with an astonishing 3.20 ERA in 191 innings. 

Taillon was known as the Pirates’ ace. In his seventh start in 2019, Taillon hurt his elbow. It was the second time in five years that Taillon had to get Tommy John surgery. From there, not only did he miss the rest of 2019 but he also missed the entirety of 2020 as well. 

So, where did he go from there?

With the Pirates still in a rebuild, many experts predicted that Taillon would be dealt in the offseason. Since that day, the Yankees were immediately connected to Taillon. After injuries to starting pitchers and many going elsewhere in free agency, it just made sense. It also helped that Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole, was once teammates with Taillon. It was reported that Cole put in a good word and the rest is history. On January 24th, 2021 the Yankees traded four prospects and acquired Taillon from the Pirates. 

In Spring Training with New York, Taillon started three games. In those games, he was 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA in 8.1 innings. He recorded fourteen strikeouts, four walks, and had a shocking 15.1 SO/9. A very strong spring from Taillon. 

Tonight, Jameson Taillon will make his first start in pinstripes. It will be the first time since 2019 that Taillon will pitch in a major league game. He’s healthy and ready to help the Yankees make a world series push. Make sure to tune in tonight at 6:35 pm EST to watch Taillon take on the Orioles in the series finale.