TAILLON TRADED TO THE YANKEES
The New York Yankees acquired pitcher Jameson Taillon from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitchers Miguel Yajure and Roansy Contreras, outfielder Canaan Smith and infielder Maikol Escotto.
What does it give the New York Yankees
In adding the 29-year-old Taillon, the Yankees are gambling on his fragile health. Since entering the big leagues, Taillon has averaged only 16 starts per campaign due to injury. New York could have a terrific starting rotation in 2021 when all of Taillon, Corey Kluber and Luis Severino will be healthy (but that is asking an awful lot at this point).
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Bucs continue to trade away assets as part of a lengthy rebuilding plan. In this deal, they received quantity back in terms of four long-range prospects. Of the four, Yajure is likely the best (and most ready for MLB). He could land a spot in the starting rotation this spring. Contreras, Smith and Escotto are all long-term prospects with upside.
Fantasy impact
Taillon is a health risk, so buyer beware. He is worth drafting in all league formats but should not be a keeper in any league (aside from possibly the very deepest formats). Yajure could be a decent late-round option in non-keeper formats but he is not a lock to pitch in Pittsburgh's rotation in 2021. The other three prospects are now on the fantasy radar (but that is about it).
