Crossfire: You Have One Choice-Jameson Taillon or Erick Fedde?

The Mets looked like sure sellers after beginning 2024 at an abysmal 0-5 and entering June 11 games under .500 at 24-35. However, everything changed after having a summer that can only be described in one word: “OMG.”

Now a day away from the Trade Deadline, the Mets have already added RHP Phil Maton, RHP Ryne Stanek and OF Jesse Winker to bolster their roster. However, there’s still work to do and a glaring gap in the rotation. With injuries to Kodai Senga and Christian Scott, unpredictability from the likes of Tylor Megill and innings concerns with Luis Severino, the Mets are in desperate need of adding a starting pitcher.

So, how should the Mets address this need with a day to spare before the 6 pm EST deadline hits? Jameson Taillon and Erick Fedde are two of the best arms seemingly available right now — it’s time to debate who the Mets should trade for.

Jameson Taillon — Johnluke Chaparro

The Mets are searching for a reliable starter to replace the injured Kodai Senga, following lackluster performances from David Peterson and Tylor Megill. After addressing bullpen needs and bolstering the outfield, their focus has shifted to the rotation. For the Mets to continue to race for the playoffs, they’ll need reinforcements for the rotation. While Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana have performed well, Jameson Taillon appears to be a strong candidate to stabilize the rotation and should be the one the Mets can focus on.

Jameson Taillon, Dirty 81mph Sweeper…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/NF0VIEv2Fm

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 10, 2024

Linked to Taillon for some time, the Mets have noticed him having a solid season with the Cubs, boasting a 2.96 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 100 ¹/₃ innings. At 32, Taillon offers immediate value and somewhat long-term stability, under contract for $18 million annually through 2026. Due to his contract length, the cost would likely entail one or two prospects but wouldn’t require any high-end ones that have gone out in different deals during this deadline rush.

Although his first season with the Cubs was challenging, posting a 4.84 ERA over 154 1/3 innings, Taillon has rebounded impressively this year, achieving a 2.96 ERA and 3.77 FIP through 17 starts. He excels at limiting hard contact and maintaining a low walk rate. With a career WAR of 13.6, 66 wins, 50 losses, a 3.90 ERA, and 928 strikeouts over 1042.1 innings, Taillon could provide great value and secure a middle rotation spot for the Mets for this season and in the coming seasons as well.

Erick Fedde — Allison Waxman

Erick Fedde is not the same pitcher the Mets once faced when he was a member of the Nationals. From 2017-2022, Fedde owned a career 5.41 ERA, 1.523 WHIP, .271 BAA and 0.3 bWAR. Then, in 2022, he went to the KBO league and reinvented himself, signed with the White Sox and is now pitching to a 3.11 ERA, 1.142 WHIP, .227 BAA and 4.6 bWAR.

What’s changed? Fedde’s become a predominantly pitcher who focuses on movement; he has thrown only TWO four-seamers in 2024. He relies heavily on a cutter, sinker, sweeper and changeup. His sweeper is his newest pitch, one he changed out in the placement of his curveball and slider. In 2024, Fedde’s sweeper has a 27.9% whiff percentage (his highest of any pitch) and an absurd .167 BAA. In comparison, his curveball in 2022 had a 25.9% whiff rate, but batters hit a whopping .321 off it.

Erick Fedde, Nasty 85mph Sweeper. ???? pic.twitter.com/L9r4mNcWdq

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 27, 2024

It’s no secret the Mets are in desperate need of rotation help. Fedde fits that bill and then some, in part to his $7.5 million 2025 salary. While he’s not Senga, he provides an immediate spark in the rotation to fill that void. He places in the 93rd percentile in pitching run value, but more importantly, his 6.8% walk rate is a welcome addition to a Mets rotation struggling to limit them.

While the price will be high, it is a seller’s market after all, and the cost for relievers alone has been astronomical, Fedde gives the Mets that extra spark and push to make them postseason contenders. If they want to make it to October and November, they’ll have to pay a price; the question is, how much will the Mets want to pay?

For more on Fedde, click here.

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