White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor introduced his retirement to members of the media immediately, forward of the Sox going through the Nationals in Washington, a spot he performed for a few years. “To have the ability to play my final video games of my profession right here on this ballpark in entrance of those followers, it’s simply the icing on the cake,” Taylor mentioned, per Andrew Golden of The Washington Submit. He’s within the lineup for the Sox immediately, enjoying heart subject and batting ninth, in what will probably be his ultimate recreation.
Taylor, now 34, was a sixth-round choose of the Nationals again in 2009. He was a shortstop at the moment, thought-about to be uncooked however in possession of some elite instruments. He was moved to the outfield and shortly confirmed the potential to be a robust defender. He additionally confirmed extra pop with the bat as he climbed the ladder, hitting 23 homers within the minors in 2014.
Going into 2015, he was thought-about to be one of many high 100 prospects within the recreation. Baseball America gave him the #32 spot, MLB Pipeline had him at #42, Baseball Prospectus at #57 and ESPN at #71. FanGraphs was a bit extra bearish, placing him at #133 on their high 200 record.
Taylor had already made a short main league debut in 2014 however acquired extra correctly established in 2015. He acquired into 138 video games for the Nats, popping 14 homers and stealing 16 baggage, however his general worth was held again by subpar stroll and strikeout charges of 6.8% and 30.9%. Over his profession, he would have his ups and downs, however his contributions largely took that form. He might put the ball over the fence, observe it down along with his glove and swipe some baggage, however the plate self-discipline was by no means good.
Regardless of his flaws, he was a helpful participant for the Nats throughout their greatest stretch in Washington. The membership completed above .500 in every season from 2012 to 2019, making the playoffs in 5 of these eight seasons. These golf equipment featured stars like Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, Trea Turner, Juan Soto, Max Scherzer, Anthony Rendon and others, however Taylor typically performed a stable supporting position.
In 2019, Taylor spent a good chunk of the yr within the minors, solely stepping into 53 large league video games with one house run. However he took on a extra distinguished position at simply the best time. Because the Nats made a miracle cost by way of the postseason, Taylor acquired into eight of the membership’s playoff contests. He clinched Recreation 5 of the NLDS over the Dodgers with a diving catch, as seen on this video from MLB.com. He additionally slashed .333/.391/.619 in his 23 plate appearances because the Nats ultimately went on to win the World Sequence.
Extra to return.
