Report: Former Twins outfielder Taylor signing with Pirates

ESPN is reporting that Taylor will sign a 1-year, $4 million deal with Pittsburgh.

Former Twins outfielder Michael A. Taylor is in agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates on a one-year deal with $4 million, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Center fielder Michael A. Taylor and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in agreement on a one-year, $4 million contract, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 15, 2024

Taylor, 32, was traded to the Twins from the Kansas City Royals ahead of the 2023 season and was an insurance plan for center fielder Byron Buxton, who has a lengthy injury history. Taylor ended up being a nearly every day starter, playing in 129 games, after injuries limited Buxton to designated hitting for most of the season.

Taylor hit .220 last season with 51 RBIs and 21 home runs. Over his 10-year Major League Baseball career, Taylor is a .239 hitter with 332 RBIs and 95 home runs. Taylor’s bat has left something to be desired, but he’s a top-tier outfielder and won a Gold Glove Award in 2021. 

The Twins are expecting Buxton to be able to play in center field, and traded for Manuel Margot from the Los Angeles Dodgers to provide cover, which is likely the reason they declined to re-sign Taylor.