MLB rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Jameson Taillon

It’s been said for the better part of the past decade, but the Los Angeles Angels need to add more talent to their starting rotation.

Last winter, the Angels made the trade with the Baltimore Orioles to land pitcher Dylan Bundy. While many scoffed at the time, it turned out to be one of the better transactions of that offseason. Through 11 starts, Bundy accumulated a 6-3 record, 3.29 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 72 strikeouts over 65.2 innings. Manager Joe Maddon got some respectable production out of Andrew Heany (4-3 record, 4.46 ERA) and Griffin Canning (2-3 record, 3.99 ERA). However, there are question marks at the final two spots in the rotation.

The Angels brought in Shohei Ohtani to be a dual threat option for the team. Many were interested to see how the “second-coming of Babe Ruth” would pan out. Ohtani has shown off his power at the plate, but he’s barely seen enough time on the mound due to countless injuries. From Tommy John surgery to undergoing an operation on his left knee to suffering a right forearm injury. Perhaps it’s time for the Angels to make Ohtani the permanent designated hitter and surrender on the pitching aspirations.

The team did make a move this offseason to sign former Chicago Cubs left-handed starter Jose Quintana on a one-year, $8 million deal. He had a respectable start to his tenure with the Cubbies, but he was limited to just four games this past season due to left lat inflammation. Quintanta returning to form is anyone’s guess.

If Los Angeles wants to move up the AL West standings, they need to bolster the rotation. This team took a chance on Bundy last year, so why not do it again with Taillon?