The Mets have had conversations with free agent outfielder Michael A. Taylor, according to SNY’s Andy Martino. The Athletic‘s Will Sammon reported on Sunday that the Mets had interest in the center fielder, who will be 33 during the 2024 season.
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The team’s interest in Taylor tracks with the Mets’ reported desire to improve their defense. The Mets had a bottom 10 outfield defense in 2023, and their current outlook of Starling Marte and DJ Stewart at the corner outfield spots wouldn’t improve that mark.
Taylor has been one of the best and most consistent center fielders since arriving in the big leagues in 2014 with the Nationals.
He won a Gold Glove in 2021 and has logged 56 Outs Above Average in center—the seventh-best mark since the stat came to existence in 2016.
Having Taylor log close to 1,000 inning in center would greatly improve their defense while also giving Brandon Nimmo a little more rest by occasionally playing a corner outfield spot.
Taylor had one of his best offensive years in 2023 with the Minnesota Twins, slashing .220/.278/.442/.720 with 21 homers over 388 plate appearances. While he certainly couldn’t be relied on for his bat, the additional pop adds a little value as a backup/fourth outfielder.
It’d be surprising if he received more than a one-year deal, wherever he signs. As the mid- and upper echelons of the free agent market continue to move slowly, expect David Stearns to continue making moves at the fringes of the 40-man roster, which currently sits at 33 players.
