Tyrone Taylor helping stabilize New York Mets’ biggest hole

While stars like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto draw all the headlines, outfielder Tyrone Taylor has made a key difference for the Mets in May.

May 25, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor (15) makes a catch for an out during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Mets have found a way to remain a steady presence towards the top of the National League standings despite a shaky May. Unlike 2024, when a disastrous May sent the Mets to rock bottom, 2025 has seen the team withstand an offensive burnout from their stars thanks to key contributors at the bottom of the lineup like Tyrone Taylor.

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The initial plan for Taylor in 2025 was to platoon with Jose Siri in center field, but that idea went up in smoke when Siri broke his tibia in mid-April. Taylor has been the every day center fielder since then and has begun to warm up at the plate, hitting .286 with nine runs scored and a .763 OPS in the month of May, which is a valuable stat line for someone hitting towards the bottom of the order.

TYRONE TAYLOR LEADS THE 9TH OFF WITH A DOUBLE 👀

(@firesidemets )

pic.twitter.com/fmxn1s35XR

— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) May 26, 2025

The Mets saw Taylor jump-start their rally in the ninth inning on Monday with a leadoff double, allowing him to eventually come around and score the winning run on a sacrifice fly from Francisco Lindor. Taylor has also showed off his defensive chops all season long and made a key play early in Sunday night's win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, throwing out a run at the plate to keep the Mets' deficit at one run.

Tyrone Taylor’s defense is beyond underrated this season, pic.twitter.com/vHIy5KSTTR

— MetCast (@MetCastPod) May 26, 2025

Defense has long been Taylor's calling card, which is why David Stearns traded for him after coming over from Milwaukee at the end of 2023. The fact that Taylor is also hitting increases his value at a position where the Mets don't really have an immediate option, making it easier for Carlos Mendoza to prioritize defense up the middle since he isn't sacrificing much offensively in his lineup.

Are you serious, Tyrone Taylor?!! pic.twitter.com/ZkLTcr60EN

— MLB (@MLB) April 30, 2025

Winning teams do have plenty of stars but they also frequently get contributions from players like Taylor, who has already produced 1.0 bWAR in 47 games, putting him right on pace to match or exceed last years 2.0 bWAR pace. While Taylor's overall offensive numbers don't look gaudy (.250 batting average/1 home run/8 RBI), he contributes strong speed and defense while doing the right fundamental things, making him the kind of winning player to help keep the Mets humming in 2025.