Jameson Taillon rumors set up to destroy Yankees, no matter where he lands

A Yankees reunion with Jameson Taillon might bring good feelings to Gerrit Cole's doorstep, but such a trade doesn't exactly feel like what the team (or their budget) needs right now. Taillon was a Yankees workhorse after being acquired prior to the 2021 season, but didn't take a tangible leap from his time in Pittsburgh. He was a solid, innings-soaking No. 4 starter, and ultimately, the Yankees decided not to match his price when the Chicago Cubs offered him four years and $68 million for 2023-2026.

Now, with the Cubs tanking, they're reportedly interested in selling off the backloaded $36 million left on the deal over the next two seasons, plus the pro-rated amount of Taillon's 2024 salary. If the Yankees weren't interested in paying the price two years ago, why would they agree to add the latter two years only, seasons when Taillon is less likely to be effective as he ages?

It could be a nice vibes reversal for the Yankees; remember, Taillon was on the mound the night after Jordan Montgomery was dealt away, when the whole 2022 season really went sour. There's also something to be said for adding a known commodity, and absorbing someone else's budget problem is something the Yankees should be doing. Unfortunately, they insist on having budget problems of their own.

Beyond that, though, the Yanks should probably stay away from adding future salary, especially for an injury-dinged, good-not-great performer at a position that isn't currently their greatest need.

Of course, perhaps the best argument for the Yankees acquiring Taillon is the one we forgot: preventing the other teams after him (Boston, joined recently by the Astros and Orioles) from getting their hands on him. Every Yankee fan knows how this goes. It wouldn't work in New York, but it'll work magically in any of those other three cities.

Yankees Rumors: Jameson Taillon also drawing interest from Astros, Orioles, Red Sox

Taillon goes to the Red Sox? He continues his rejuvenation under Craig Breslow, the man who brought him to Chicago, spinning top-quality breaking balls and changing speeds like Kutter Crawford.

He goes to the Astros? The Woodlands, TX high school grad has a powerhouse homecoming, providing exactly what the Astros' rotation needs as Justin Verlander works his way back: stability.

Baltimore? The young Birds don't need a No. 1 or No. 2 starter for a playoff series. They just need a classic Taillon type who can hang with the other team's mid-rotation workhorse while the offense bites and chews off piece by piece of the game.

The Yankees? Taillon will just be another 4.30-ERA, homer-prone middle man. Heck, he might even get hurt. Can't say we didn't warn you.