The Minnesota Twins desperately need more starting pitching depth. Their rotation currently consists of Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober, Connor Prielipp and Zebby Matthews, but the depth pretty much stops there. Pablo López won't return until next year. It also looks like Mick Abel and David Festa will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Mike Paredes has made some starts for the Twins this year, but he recently landed on the IL. Kendry Rojas is another starting option for the Twins, but he usually can't go more than 4-5 innings per start.
Minnesota should consider adding another starting pitcher to the mix. Even though the club has five healthy starting pitchers right now, that's unlikely to last. By adding another starter, the Twins could move Matthews or Prielipp to the bullpen, or send one of them down to Triple-A for the time being. Just having another starter would benefit the Twins greatly.
One starter Minnesota could consider acquiring is right-hander Jameson Taillon, whom the Chicago Cubs designated for assignment on Monday. The Twins could attempt to work out a trade with the Cubs for Taillon, but waiting to see if he ends up on waivers is probably the best course of action for Minnesota. Given how much Taillon is still owed this year and the fact that he has struggled significantly lately suggests he's almost guaranteed to clear waivers and become a free agent.
Taillon is being paid $18 million this year. He signed a four-year, $68 million deal with Chicago ahead of the 2023 season, so he's in the final year of his contract.
Taillon has had an awful season, posting a 5.92 ERA and a 6.74 FIP in 76 innings across 15 starts. Additionally, he has allowed the most home runs (25) in the National League.
Twins could still be interested in Jameson Taillon despite his struggles with Cubs this year
Even though those numbers aren't pretty, the Twins could still be interested in the veteran right-hander. Minnesota needs depth. If the Twins' front office can acquire Taillon for an affordable price, there's a good chance they will pounce on the opportunity. Last year, he posted a solid 3.68 ERA in 129 1/3 innings.
The Twins would be an attractive landing spot for Taillon. Minnesota is in the postseason race but, as stated earlier in the article, lacks starting pitching depth. If he landed with the Twins this season, Taillon would not only have an opportunity to continue to start, but likely an opportunity to pitch in meaningful games.
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