The words “highly touted” and “can’t miss” are a couple of phrases that are used when talking about Major League ballplayers who are expected to have lengthy careers. Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor wasn’t labeled that way, but he certainly has had a career that many would covet. He was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the sixth round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft.
The round is in the upper half of the draft, but players selected during that time are no lock to make the parent club. Taylor, who has played for five different teams in 12 major league seasons, has fought hard for a roster spot every year.
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Taylor progressed through the Nationals’ farm system in the outfield after playing all four infield positions during his first professional season. He made his debut in 2014 and played in Washington for seven seasons. While not considered a power hitter, he has flexed his muscles in October.
The now 34-year-old hit .333 with a pair of home runs and eight RBI in a 2017 NLDS loss against the Chicago Cubs. The veteran also homered in his lone at-bat in the 2019 World Series win over the Houston Astros.
Versatility and defense have been a big part of Taylor’s career. He won the 2021 Gold Glove Award with the Kansas City Royals as the best defensive Centerfielder in the American League.
His continued all-around steadiness and ability to play all three outfield positions have kept him at the game’s highest level with stops in Minnesota and Pittsburgh. He posted a career-high 21 homers in 2023 with the Twins.
This year has brought some challenges for both him and the White Sox. The south side Chicago team is currently pulling up the rear in the American League Central Division and Taylor’s average isn’t where he wants it to be yet.
Despite the struggles, Taylor continues to produce in every stadium he plays in.
“There’s just some adjustments that you have to make coming to this ballpark,” Taylor told MLBbro.com before a recent series against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. He made those adjustments as he connected for three doubles in game two of the series.
This is a White Sox team that unfortunately will probably miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. That means there is a lot of upside to this squad, combined with some youth. Taylor as we know has played all three outfield positions this season and can provide guidance and leadership. The obvious statistics may not show it but as the White Sox look to improve on last year’s record, every step of improvement can also be credited to the veteran Taylor with his presence.
