Outside of Justin Verlander, Carlos Rodon, and Jacob deGrom, veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon may be the best starting pitcher out on the free agent market.
According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, Taillon has already met with several teams via Zoom.
Feinsand notes that Taillon has impressed each team he has spoken with and appears to be boosting his market.
The 31-year-old had a solid bounce-back season with the New York Yankees, winning 14 games and posting a 3.91 ERA in 32 starts.
Per Feinsand, the right-hander is expected to command a deal worth more than the four years and $56 million that veteran right-hander Jon Gray received from the Texas Rangers last winter.
Word is that Jameson Taillon has impressed teams during his free-agent Zoom meetings. Taillon's market is gaining steam, per sources, and he is expected to command a deal worth more than the four-year, $56 million contract Jon Gray signed with Texas last winter.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 1, 2022
Taillon’s Market Heating Up
For teams that likely won’t go all in on one of the top three starters, Taillon might be the next-best thing.
Feinsand also mentioned Chris Bassitt as a second-tier option.
Taillon certainly boosted his stock in 2022, and for a team such as the Baltimore Orioles or San Francisco Giants, the right-hander could be a fit.
A team like the St. Louis Cardinals likely will not spend big on the top three options available, but the former Yankee could fit there as well if they do decide to pursue a starting pitcher.
Taillon could fit seamlessly in any rotation, and after a bounce-back campaign, he appears to be headed for a nice payday with whomever he signs.
The Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers could also pivot to him if they lose out on Verlander, who has met with both teams.
NEXT: MLB Analyst Shares Why Aaron Judge Could Join The Giants