The New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates have had trade discussions regarding Pirates first baseman Josh Bell and Pittsburgh right-hander Jameson Taillon, sources told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
It's unknown whether a deal would involve one or both players.
Bell, 28, is coming off a dreadful 2020 season that saw him hit .226 in 57 games, but things were much better the year prior. The switch-hitting slugger enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2019, hitting .277/.367/.569 with 37 home runs to earn his first All-Star nod.
Taillon, 29, hasn't pitched since May 1, 2019, due to Tommy John surgery. The former second overall pick owns a 29-24 career record with a 3.67 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 419 strikeouts across 466 innings. He's expected to be ready for Opening Day.
The Yankees are reportedly looking to avoid spending big in free agency this winter due to losses stemming from the pandemic-shortened season. New York signed ace Gerrit Cole - a former Pirates teammate of Bell and Taillon - to a nine-year, $324-million contract last offseason.
With Luke Voit slotted in as the Yankees' everyday first baseman, acquiring Bell would likely require another trade to clear up the depth chart. Voit is eligible for arbitration for the first time and isn't slated to hit free agency until 2025. He led the majors with 22 home runs this past season.
Taillon seems like a more obvious fit after the Yankees saw 2020 starters James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and J.A. Happ hit free agency. New York's rotation behind Cole currently includes Jordan Montgomery and Deivi Garcia; it will presumably feature Luis Severino once he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Bell is projected to earn $5.1 million to $7.2 million in arbitration this winter with Taillon expected to get $2.3 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
