2023 MLB Draft Profile: Brayden Taylor
The Rays made probably the most Rays pick ever by taking Brayden Taylor with their first-round pick. Out of TCU, Taylor is the definition of a jack-of-all-trades gym, meaning he should fit right into the Rays system. Will this actually be the case for Brayden Taylor? Let’s look at his 2023 MLB Draft profile to try and find out.
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
When I said jack-of-all-trades, I really meant it. I mean the numbers don’t lie, Taylor is one of those guys who doesn’t do anything elite, but does nothing poorly. Now while I usually don’t love those prospects in the first round, when you’re the Rays it’s different.
They have shown the ability time and time again to bring in these utility guys and turn them into elite players. I don’t think Brayden Taylor will be an exception to that.
The thing I like most about Taylor is how mature of a hitter he is–Taylor’s comfortable working deep into counts in order to find his pitch. He has good command of the strike zone allowing him to work a lot of walks.
He’s got the bat-to-ball skills you like to see from a prospect and shows the ability to hit the ball hard to all parts of the field. He did get a little home run happy this past season, which did hurt his average a bit, but I don’t think it takes away too much from his true hitting ability.
As a proclaimed utility man, there are a few different positions Taylor has played while at TCU. The majority of his reps have been at third, but he’s also shown he can play second or even short. He may not be quick enough to hold down a middle infield spot, but his glove is more than capable at third should he stick there.
Regardless, I’m sure the Rays will figure out what to do with him and turn him into an all-star. It seems like they do every season at this point, but I really do like Brayden Taylor and think he has the hit tool to stick on an MLB roster.
Teams always need a player like Brayden Taylor on their roster, if the bat can develop like I think it can, he can have a long career in MLB.
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