The Mets’ No. 4 outfielder has a batting average of .341 and an OPS of .841.
Tyrone Taylor is a solid, quick defender who can play any position in the outfield, but he probably hit better than he defended through his first nearly three weeks of action.
When Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns came over from the Brewers and essentially traded Taylor (and Adrian Houser) with him, there was little doubt that Taylor would be a useful player.
Through a small sample size of his first 15 games with his new team, Taylor has played above and beyond.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said, “I like my at-bat.” “I see some good hitters at the plate right now.”
On Wednesday, even Taylor’s out (a good ball that Pittsburgh third baseman Jared Toriolo jumped on and caught) was a good hit.
However, in the afternoon game, he had more hits than outs with 3 hits in 4 at bats, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base.
“I’m definitely happy with the result. It helps build confidence,” Taylor said after the 9-1 win over the Pirates at Citi Field. “But I’ve approached every at-bat and tried to put together a good at-bat.”
Although his playing time is somewhat unpredictable, he continues to record good at-bats.
Taylor started 10 of the Mets’ 18 games and came on as a defensive replacement in five more games.
He’s been getting regular, if not daily, opportunities as the Mets employ a revolving door at designated hitter, especially when they shuffle Starling Marte to DH and create a spot where Taylor can roam the outfield. One reason is that it is produced.
The Mets’ outfield will be formidable defensively when teamed up with Harrison Bader and Brandon Nimmo.
But if DH J.D. Martinez joins the club, such an outfield would mean Marte, also a good hitter, would be kept out of the at-bat.
Once Martinez is ready, most likely during the next homestand starting next weekend, the club will make a decision on how to use Taylor.
What the Mets have seen so far has been impressive.
“He’s short to the ball, but he’s ready to hit the fastball,” Mendoza said of Taylor, who had singles to left, center and right on Wednesday, two on his fastball and one on a slider. Ta. “That’s a good recipe for a major league hitter.”
Taylor essentially played the same No. 4 outfield role with the Brewers.
For parts of five seasons in Milwaukee, Taylor’s OPS (.746) was slightly above average, providing some pop (41 home runs in 331 games) and adding a side of speed as well (18 stolen bases). .
However, he was well known for his defensive flexibility and excellence.
After another solid day, perhaps Taylor can show he can be used more.
“I just try to be the best version of myself every day,” the 30-year-old said. “I work hard at practice. I have a game plan. I’m consistent in my work, including BP. I definitely have the mindset to get better every day.
“But you never know in baseball. Good things happen. Bad things happen. You just ride the wave.”
