The last week has been full of firsts for one of the Rays top prospects, Brayden Taylor. On Wednesday, the 2023 draftee joined the big league club and played the final three innings of the Rays 4-3 win over the Twins. While his playing time was limited, it was an opportunity Taylor didn’t take for granted.
“It was pretty surreal at first, just kind of being around all these guys that I’ve watched on TV,” Taylor told the media. “I got to kind of pick their brains a little bit, and it was a good time.”
Wednesday was a preview of the future for Rays fans, of which Taylor is expected to be a big part. The Rays used the 19th overall pick in the 2023 draft on Taylor following an impressive career at TCU.
During his time as a Horned Frog, the West Jordan, Utah native posted a .315 batting average in 184 games. He also showed off some power with 40 doubles and 48 home runs.
Due to his play, Taylor drew a lot of interest, but the Rays made drafting him a priority. He will get to show why it is a choice they won’t forget in their spring breakout game against the Twins on March 16. It will also be another opportunity for Taylor to play alongside Carson Williams and Xavier Issac.
“I’m really excited,” Taylor told MLB.com’s Adam Berry. “I’ve gotten to know quite a few guys here so far. It’ll be fun to kind of see that type of team together and see how we react together. It’ ’ll be really cool because I’m so close with these guys already. Just excited to go out and play with them.”
While Taylor’s MLB debut is still years away, his play has already created excitement for the future. In 25 games between two levels last year, he posted a .242 batting average and drove in 15 runs. While those numbers may not jump off the page, he did record 12 extra-base hits.
Additionally, the 21-year-old was solid defensively. In 179 innings in the field, Taylor only committed one error and helped turn five double plays. He also added 36 assists to his resume and finished his first stint in the minors with a .981 fielding percentage.
For Taylor, the focus next year will be getting on base more. During his college career, his lowest batting average in a season was .308. Now that he has had an offseason to reset, he should be able to replicate his previous success. Taylor also now has an idea of what to expect.
Although he has only been with the Rays for a short time, Taylor already feels comfortable in the organization.
“ That’s what’s great about this organization,” Taylor said. “ Everyone’s so welcoming to me and all of my teammates. It’s been very fun.”
On Saturday, he will look to continue making a good first impression alongside the best prospects in the system.
