Padres Reportedly Showing Interest in Free Agent Outfielder
The San Diego Padres are continuing to explore the outfield market as we approach the start of the regular season. The MLB regular season starts in less than 10 days for the Friars, and they remain active in the free agency market.
There are still many great and affordable talents on the open market. One player they reportedly have their eye on is veteran outfielder and Gold Glove winner Michael A. Taylor.
According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Padres' number one target in the outfield is Tommy Pham; however, Taylor is also on their radar.
Another player that they have shown interest in this offseason is free-agent outfielder Michael A. Taylor.
Taylor has been in the league for the last ten-plus years and won a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019. He was also awarded a Fielding Bible Award in 2021, which recognizes the best defensive player for each fielding position.
In his career, Taylor is a .239 hitter in 2916 ABs with 95 home runs, 332 RBIs, 108 stolen bases and a career OPS of .683. Although Taylor can be productive on offense, his defense is where he shines. He is quick and fast in the outfield, and those skills allow him to get incredible jumps and makeup ground if he misreads a ball.
A potential addition of Taylor would bolster the Friars' defense in a big way. Taylor is only 32 years old and would instantly be the Padres' best defender outside of Manny Machado.
