Michael A. Taylor News: Pittsburgh Pirates reach one-year, $4,000,000 agreement with veteran outfielder
According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Pittsburgh Pirates have reached a one-year agreement with veteran outfielder Michael A. Taylor. The 32-year-old has been linked to several clubs this offseason, however, it's the the Pirates who will land his services for this season.
"The Pirates are signing OF Michael A. Taylor to a one year deal, per multiple reports" - @MLBONFOX
Jeff Passan is reporting that the one-year deal for Michael A. Taylor is worth $4,000,000. It remains to be seen what kind of role Taylor will play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, however, he should become part of the club's outfield rotation.
The veteran outfielder is coming off the best season of his career in 2023 and will be looking to continue that momentum this year with Pittsburgh. As a member of the Minnesota Twins last season, Taylor finished the year with a .220 batting average with a career-high 21 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases.
A Gold Glove Award winner, Taylor's value to the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely come on the defensive side of the game. Although he could chip in offensively, his 21 home runs were the first time he cleared 15 long balls since he hit 19 back in 2017 with the Washington Nationals.
Michael A. Taylor reportedly turned down an extension offer from the Minnesota Twins
According to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic, the Minnesota Twins would have likely brought back Taylor on a $4,000,000 contract extension, however, he opted to pursue more money on the open market. Minnesota then moved on from Taylor, instead landing Manuel Margot from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Margot will be paid $4,000,000 by the Twins this season.
"Twins likely would have re-signed Michael A. Taylor if he were willing to accept the $4 million he just got from the Pirates, but that wasn't the case earlier in the offseason. Taylor held out for more and the Twins eventually moved on to Manuel Margot." - @AaronGleeman
Now, after failing to secure more money on the open market, Taylor will look to increase his value again this season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. If he can continue to perform at this level potentially securing a more lucrative or long-term deal next offseason.