The Mets have finally completed the Ike Davis trade, acquiring left-handed pitching prospect Blake Taylor from the Pirates.
Taylor, 18, was selected by the Pirates in the second round (51st overall) last year, signing exactly a year from today. Draft picks cannot be traded until a year after they sign, meaning Taylor had to stay with the Pirates until today. The Mets also acquired right-handed pitcher Zack Thornton in the trade.
In 21 innings in the Gulf Coast League last season, Taylor has a 2.57 ERA while walking 9 batters and striking out 13 in his first professional experience. Pirates Prospects ranked Taylor as the system’s 16th best prospect this offseason. Here’s what else they had to say about him:
Overall Taylor has a good fastball with the frame to add velocity and one day sit in the low-to-mid 90s. He has the makings of a plus curveball to pair with that fastball.
He’s going to need work on his fastball command and changeup. Those are two big priorities in the lower levels of the Pirates system, so it’s likely he will spend the next few years focused on improving those two pitches. If he can improve in those two areas, he’s got the upside to at least be a middle of the rotation starter.
Reports indicate Taylor was a raw prospect coming out of high school, as his assignment to the Gulf Coast League would suggest. He will be sent to the Gulf Coast League again this season.
(Photo: Dana Point Times)
