MLB Trade Rumors Padres: Jameson Taillon could be the top target ahead of trade deadline

Jameson Taillon has been mentioned in MLB trade rumors over the past few weeks. Taillon is one of those pitchers who could soon be on his way as another contender has expressed their interest.

The San Diego Padres are the latest team to be interested in him. With the MLB trade deadline nearing, the Padres hope to secure a pitcher to help bolster their bullpen, and according to NBC's Michael J. Duarte, Jameson Taillon is on their radar.

Taillon is expected to be traded by the Chicago Cubs before the deadline and the Padres are not the only team that has expressed interest. The New York Yankees, LA Dodgers and Houston Astros have also been linked, and any potential deal seems some way off.

While it might seem easier said than done, the Padres need to go beyond the others to get a hold of Taillon. The Cubs will want something valuable in return since Taillon will become a free agent in 2027.

Jameson Taillon's contract could be too steep for the Padres

The right-handed pitcher is on a multi-year deal and his contract could be a little too steep for the Padres. Jameson Taillon will get $18 million in 2024, 2025 and 2026. That said, the team would need to consider other options along with a trade for Taillon. Earlier this week, Taillon told 670 The Score:

“It's always nice to be wanted. I had a pitching coach in the minor leagues right after I signed with the Pirates who said, ‘There are scouts everywhere you will pitch in your career. You are always auditioning for all 30 clubs.’

"That alerted me right away as to how much a business baseball is. It’s always better to be wanted. It's much better than the flip side."

Taillon's numbers have never been better in his entire MLB career. The Padres could use a valuable pitcher like Taillon to help make a postseason run but they first need to land him, a prospect easier said than done.