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Jameson Taillon

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Jameson Taillon
Taillon with the New York Yankees in 2021
Chicago Cubs – No. 50
Pitcher
Born: (1991-11-18) November 18, 1991 (age 33)
Lakeland, Florida, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
June 8, 2016, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record71–53
Earned run average3.89
Strikeouts975
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Jameson Lee Taillon (/ˈtaɪoʊn/ TY-ohn; born November 18, 1991) is a Canadian-American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees.

The Pirates chose Taillon as the second overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft, just behind future All-Star Bryce Harper. He made his MLB debut in 2016. The Pirates traded Taillon to the Yankees before the 2021 season and he signed with the Cubs after the 2022 season.

Early life

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Jameson Taillon was born in Lakeland, Florida to Christie and Michael Taillon on November 18, 1991.[1][2] Taillon attended The Woodlands High School in Texas. He caught the attention of scouts with a 22–6 win–loss record in his high school career. He was 8–1 during his senior year and threw a 19-strikeout no-hitter against rival Conroe High School on March 23, 2010.[3][4]

Professional career

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Minor league career

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Prior to the 2010 MLB draft, Fangraphs called Taillon the best high school pitching prospect since Josh Beckett (1999).[5] Baseball America compared him to pitchers like Stephen Strasburg.[6] The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Taillon with the second overall selection of the draft. He had signed a National Letter of Intent with Rice University in November 2009 posing a challenge to the Pirates in their effort to sign him.[7][8] However, hours before the signing deadline, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Taillon had indeed signed with the Pirates.[9] Baseball America's Jim Callis reported that Taillon's deal included a $6.5 million signing bonus, the second-highest in draft history.[10]

Taillon made his professional debut with the West Virginia Power against the Hagerstown Suns on April 27, 2011. He joined the team on April 24 after staying in Florida for an extended spring training assignment.[11] He spent the whole season with the Power, going 2–3 with a 3.98 earned run average (ERA) in 23 starts.[citation needed]

Taillon was named to appear in the 2012 All-Star Futures Game.[12] He began the season with the Bradenton Marauders and he was promoted to the Altoona Curve in August 2012.[13] In his first week with the Curve, August 20–26, 2012, Taillon was named the Eastern League pitcher of the week.[14] In 26 starts between the two teams, he was 9–8 with a 3.55 ERA.[citation needed]

Prior to the 2013 season, Taillon was ranked as the 15th best prospect in baseball by MLB.com.[15] Taillon participated in the 2013 World Baseball Classic for Team Canada, being the youngest member of the team at age 21.[citation needed] He began the season with Altoona and was promoted to the Indianapolis Indians in August. In 26 games (25 starts) between both clubs, Taillon compiled a 5–10 record and 3.73 ERA.

Taillon underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2014 to repair damage to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow in his throwing arm, costing him the 2014 season.[16] A hernia surgery caused him to miss the 2015 season.[1]

Pittsburgh Pirates (2016–2020)

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Taillon returned in 2016 with the Pirates, where he made 10 starts before earning his first major league call-up. Taillon went 4–2 with a 2.04 ERA, striking out 61 in 61.2 innings and walking only 6. On June 8, Taillon was recalled to make a spot start with the Pirates, who decided to push back Francisco Liriano's start one day after they played a doubleheader the day before.[17] Facing off against fellow 2010 first rounder Noah Syndergaard in his debut, Taillon threw 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts, not receiving a decision in the eventual 6–5 loss. After the game, Taillon was optioned back to Triple-A, but not without receiving compliments from his manager, Clint Hurdle, on his effort, saying, "This kid's poured into everything he's done. It's been a great fight back."[18] However, his stay in Indianapolis was very brief, as an injury to Gerrit Cole necessitated a move to bring Taillon back into the rotation.[19] On June 14, Taillon made his second start, also against the Mets, throwing 8 scoreless innings, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh before it was broken up by Curtis Granderson, and recording his first win in the 4–0 victory.[citation needed] In July, he was hit in the head by a batted ball.[1] Taillon spent the remainder of 2016 with Pittsburgh. In 18 starts, he compiled a 5–4 record and a 3.38 ERA.[20]

Taillon with the Pirates in 2017

Taillon was in the Pirates' starting rotation in 2017. He was placed on the disabled list in May as he underwent surgery for testicular cancer.[21] Taillon made his first rehabilitation start three weeks later, giving up one run in three innings.[22] He returned to the mound for the Pirates on June 12.[23] In 25 starts during the 2017 season, he pitched to an 8–7 record and 4.44 ERA.[20]

In the 2018 season, Taillon pitched to a 3.20 ERA in 32 starts. He was 14–10 in 191 innings. He tied for the major league lead in complete games with two.[20]

In 2019, Taillon's season was cut short due to a forearm injury. He was shut down for the remainder of the season on August 2, 2019; he was 2–3 with a 4.10 ERA in 7 starts.[24] On August 14, he underwent surgery to repair a flexor tendon as well as UCL revision. Taillon did not make an appearance in the 2020 season.[20]

New York Yankees (2021–2022)

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On January 24, 2021, the Pirates traded Taillon to the New York Yankees for prospects Miguel Yajure, Roansy Contreras, Maikol Escotto, and Canaan Smith-Njigba.[25] He was named the American League Pitcher of the Month in July, posting a 1.16 ERA.[26] He finished the 2021 season with an 8–6 record in 29 starts with a 4.30 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 144+1⁄3 innings.[20] On June 2, 2022, Taillon pitched seven perfect innings against the Los Angeles Angels. This bid was broken up by a Jared Walsh double in the eighth inning.[27]

Chicago Cubs (2022–present)

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On December 19, 2022, Taillon signed a four-year deal worth $68 million with the Chicago Cubs.[28]

Taillon appeared in 30 games in 2023, with 29 of them being starts. He went 8-10 with a 4.84 ERA and 140 strikeouts across 154.1 innings.[29]

On March 12, 2024, Cubs manager Craig Counsell informed reporters that Taillon would likely be starting the 2024 season on the injured list with lower back tightness.[30][31]

Personal life

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Taillon underwent surgery for testicular cancer on May 8, 2017.[32][33] He had one testicle removed.[1] As of 2019, he was cancer-free.[34]

Although he was born in the United States, Taillon's parents are Canadian, and he holds citizenship in both countries.[35]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Keown, Tim (July 4, 2017). "Jameson Taillon's six weeks from cancer diagnosis to recovery". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  2. ^ "All Saints, Vanderbilt star Carson Fulmer goes No. 8 overall in MLB draft to Chicago White Sox". The Ledger. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  3. ^ "Pirates select Jameson Taillon in first round of Draft". MLB.com. June 7, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  4. ^ Sam Kahn Jr. (April 20, 2010). "The Woodlands pitcher Taillon wowing major league scouts". The Houston Chronicle. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  5. ^ Bryan Smith (June 7, 2010). "2010 MLB Draft Selections". FanGraphs. Fangraphs Inc. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  6. ^ Dave Perkin (August 17, 2009). "Taillon, Wolters Shine at Aflac". Baseball America. Baseball America Inc. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  7. ^ Jenifer Langosch (June 7, 2010). "Bucs draft high school arm Taillon at No. 2". MLB.com. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  8. ^ "riceowls.com Baseball Announces Signing Class – Rice University Official Athletic Site Rice University Official Athletic Site – Baseball". riceowls.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2010.
  9. ^ Chuck Finder (August 16, 2010). "Taillon's Dad: Son is Signed". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
  10. ^ Jim Callis (August 17, 2010). "First round Action on the Final Day". BaseballAmerica.com. Baseball America. Retrieved August 17, 2010.
  11. ^ Rob Biertempfel (April 26, 2011). "Taillon: And so it begins". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  12. ^ "Prospects pack rosters for 2012 All-Star Futures Game". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  13. ^ Mike Passanisi (August 17, 2012). "Taillon Scheduled To Join Curve For Double-A Debut Tuesday". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  14. ^ Bill Rosario (August 27, 2012). "Brentz and Taillon Win Weekly Awards".
  15. ^ "Pirates' Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon among Top 100 Prospects". Pittsburgh Pirates. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  16. ^ "Pirates' top pitching prospect Taillon faces Tommy John surgery". TribLIVE.com.
  17. ^ Nesbitt, Stephen J. (June 7, 2016). "Pirates prospect Jameson Taillon to debut Wednesday vs. Mets". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  18. ^ Perkins, Owen (June 9, 2016). "Pirates option Taillon after quality debut". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  19. ^ Brink, Bill (June 14, 2016). "Pirates ace Cole headed to DL; Taillon expected to start against Mets". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  20. ^ a b c d e "Jameson Taillon". BaseballReference.com. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  21. ^ Nesbitt, Stephen J. (June 12, 2017). "'Why me?': Jameson Taillon opens up on cancer as he returns to Pirates". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  22. ^ Cwik, Chris (May 28, 2017). "Jameson Taillon makes first rehab start since cancer diagnosis". Yahoo! Big League Stew. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  23. ^ "Jameson Taillon solid in return from cancer surgery as Pirates win". USA TODAY. June 12, 2017.
  24. ^ "Pirates shut down Taillon (forearm) for season". ESPN.com. August 3, 2019.
  25. ^ "Yankees land RHP Taillon in trade with Pirates". ESPN.com. January 24, 2021.
  26. ^ "Yankees' Jameson Taillon named American League Pitcher of the Month". FingerLakes1.com. August 2, 2021.
  27. ^ "Yankees' Jameson Taillon loses perfect game in 8th inning".
  28. ^ "Taillon agrees to 4-year deal with Cubs". MLB.com.
  29. ^ "Jameson Taillon Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  30. ^ "Jameson Taillon Likely To Begin Season On Injured List". MLB Trade Rumors. March 13, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  31. ^ "'Fair to say' that Chicago Cubs' Jameson Taillon will unlikely to be ready for start of the season". Chicago Tribune. March 13, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  32. ^ Adler, David. "James Taillon has surgery for testicular cancer". MLB. Archived from the original on June 13, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  33. ^ "Taillon Set For First Rehab Start Since Cancer Surgery". CBS Pittsburgh. May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  34. ^ Stumpf, Alex (August 15, 2019). "Pirates' Jameson Taillon, Rockies' Chad Bettis share bond in fight against cancer". www.sportingnews.com.
  35. ^ "Dual citizen Jameson Taillon is Canada's wild card at the World Baseball Classic". National Post. The Canadian Press. March 7, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by American League Pitcher of the Month
July 2021 		Succeeded by
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