MLBbro Michael A. Taylor Is the Rock That Keeps Kansas City’s Hopes High

It’s been seven years since the Kansas City Royals last one a World Series title and that was a special and talented group that was assembled. Since their last World Series appearance, the Royals have dispersed the team that won 95 games. Looking at the roster now, there were a lot of young players and a few veterans.

One veteran, who has stepped up since joining the team last year, is outfielder Michael A. Taylor. 

 

 

Taylor, who won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019, brings a lot of experience to a young team.

Coming back from the All-Star break, Taylor had the bat going for him at the plate. The Royals won their three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays after dropping the first game. Taylor had a hit in each game and also hit his sixth home run of the season.

 

He followed up his impressive performance against the Rays with a two-hit, three RBI performance in the series opener win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Stepping into a leadership role

Having a guy like Taylor on your team is beneficial. You get a guy who is an elite defender and someone who is an above average hitter. He’s already won a Gold Glove Award with the Royals and he certainly has the talent to win another one.

After the Royals victory over the Angels on Monday, Taylor talked about playing on a team with young players.

“It’s a younger team, so I think the more we go out there and play good baseball and beat good baseball teams, the confidence is going to build,” Taylor said in an article from The Kansas City Star.

While the team has not won many games, it’s always a positive sign to see them playing well and like Taylor said, when you win games, confidence starts to grow. Royals’ manager Mike Matheny talked about how Taylor was able to step up in the victory over the Angels.

“(Syndergaard) wasn’t giving us much,” Matheny said. “So we were going to have to kind of scratch and claw. Infield hits, guys going down the baseline to first, then waiting for someone to do their thing, and today it was Michael.”

 “Michael has been really impressive coming through in those big situations.”

Last year he signed a two-year contract extension with the Royals, so the organization understands and knows the value he adds to the team.

 

Taylor, who is 31, has already been in the league since he was 23 and he definitely can play in this league for several more years. The question is do the Royals want to keep him long term? He certainly will add value to any team he’s a part of and he’ll bring that championship experience too.

As the season progresses, Taylor will continue to make an impact on the field and in the clubhouse.

Don’t be surprised if he’s in the running to win another Gold Glove as well.