The 2021 MLB Draft will begin on July 11, 2021. We take a look at Will Taylor, a talented athlete with impressive fielding ability and elite speed.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Draft Profiles.
Will Taylor, Outfielder, Dutch Fork (S.C.)
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 175 lbs.
Age: 18
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Scouting Grades
Hit: 55
Power: 45
Run: 70
Field: 55
Throw: 50
Taylor is a talented centerfielder who has demonstrated plenty of intelligence at the plate. He’s also quite speedy and has enough of an arm to stay in center field long-term.
Strengths
Evidently, running is Taylor’s best trait. He is quite fast and produces elite times when moving from home to first. Not only is he fast, but he trusts his running ability and is fast on the basepaths. His speed opens up the bases and makes plays happen, leading to run production. His quickness is also a very valuable asset in the field as he can track down fly balls with ease.
At the plate, Taylor has shown an ability to approach each pitch with thoughtful intelligence. He’s able to hit tough pitching and proven that he can read and adjust to all types of opponents. Taylor is also an above-average fielder, though his speed is likely a factor in this.
Finally, Taylor demonstrates true athleticism. A star quarterback and wrestler, Taylor’s physicality and aggressiveness have carried over to baseball. He’s currently committed to Clemson to play wide receiver on the football team and centerfielder on the baseball team.
Weaknesses
Power is the biggest weakness when it comes to Taylor’s game. He has the ability to build some strength as he grows, but this is an area where he’ll likely never truly stand out. There is some legitimate concern about how he might adapt to the next level of pitching, too, considering hitting wasn’t his top trait in high school.
Additionally, despite being a star quarterback, Taylor does not possess an elite arm. Rather, it’s merely above-average and just sufficient enough to allow him to stay in center field.
Pro Comparison: Jurickson Profar
The background for this comparison mainly stems from speed and offensive performance, though they have similar defensive profiles, too. Profar is a speedy outfielder who has swiped nine bags while hitting .212/.317/.269 this season. He clearly doesn’t have immense power, and he gets on base at a mediocre clip. His plate vision isn’t incredible, either. However, he’s solid in the field. Profar has spent most of his time in left and center this year, which is further indication of how valuable his speed is. Still, the fact that he’s spent some time in left means that his arm strength is not incredible.
Draft Projection: Second-Round Pick
MLB Pipeline has Taylor ranked 27th among all draft prospects, but it’s hard to see him sneaking into the first round considering his hitting and throwing abilities aren’t incredible. Being able to run exceptionally well and field the ball at an above-average level certainly pays dividends, though. Taylor should hear his name called in the second round. It will be interesting to see if he attends Clemson or signs.
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Main Image Credit: Jeff Blake/The State
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