The Pirates are coming off a very exciting Spring Breakout game where their number one prospect Paul Skenes shined. The Pirates went and added a Free Agent Veteran to the mix. The Pirates have added several veterans this offseason to one-year deals, Andrew McCutchen, Martin Perez, Aroldis “Mommas Boy” Chapman, and Rowdy Tellez. The Pirates are coming off 76-86 where they finished fourth in the National League Central, while the Pirates have a plethora of young talent working their way up through the minors. The team is adding another player on a one-year deal worth four million dollars.
OF – Michael Taylor
Michael Taylor signed a one-year contract worth four million dollars today. Michael Taylor will most likely play center field shifting Jack Suwinski to left leaving Andrew McCutchen to play right field. Taylor played for the Minnesota Twins last year and played in 129 games getting 355 at bats. Last season along with his 14 doubles, 21 home runs Taylor slashed .220/.278/.442 with an OPS of .720. Taylor brings good quality defense in the outfield, where he’s won one gold glove and average speed on the base paths stealing 13 bases last season in Minnesota.
Summary
Michael Taylor was linked to several teams this offseason and finally landed with the Pirates. The Pirates team is going to be catching plenty of people off guard this year with their mix of young up-and-coming future stars, with a good solid mix of veteran players. Michael Taylor will fit in nicely in the bottom half of the Pirates order and bring solid defense to support the pitching staff this season.
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