Rum Bunter’s 2019 Pittsburgh Pirates Staff Preview: Josh

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 19: Corey Dickerson #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Starling Marte #6 and Pablo Reyes #15 after the final out in a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals at PNC Park on September 19, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 19: Corey Dickerson #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Starling Marte #6 and Pablo Reyes #15 after the final out in a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals at PNC Park on September 19, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Team Cy Young Winner – Jameson Taillon 

A rotation that is one of the best in baseball is headed by Jameson Taillon. After producing a strong stat line in 2018, he looks to take the next step and become one of the NL’s best in 2019.

Taillon didn’t join the Major League team until half way through the 2016 season and unfortunately missed some time in 2017 due to testicular cancer. So, in 2019 he aims to be healthy and productive much like he was last season.

With a rotation that includes, Chris Archer, Trevor Williams,  and Joe Musgrove, Taillon will get the nod on Opening Day in Cincinnati. In 191 innings pitched last season, he posted a 3.20 ERA, 3.46 FIP, and a 1.178 WHIP. All very impressive numbers and he still hasn’t reached his full potential yet.

Taillon has a good chance to make a run at the NL Cy Young Award this season, let alone the teams Cy Young. He has proved time and time again to be able to go against the best hitters in the league. Being in the NL Central, it isn’t exactly easy being a pitcher as well. With the Cardinals addition of Paul Goldschmidt, the division gets even more studded with accomplished hitters.