Washington Nationals: Trading Michael Taylor Pros and Cons
Outfielder Michael Taylor emerged from a darkened path last season and took advantage of an unexpected opportunity to play everyday. This offseason, the Washington Nationals are faced with a decision: do they trade him at peak value or keep him around?
Among the important considerations the Washington Nationals will undertake before Opening Day, the possibility of trading Michael Taylor is one weighing on their minds. The speedy and defensively reliable outfielder made a name for himself in 2017 after several seasons of underperforming. Though he continued to use his speed and play well on defense, it was Taylor’s offense that finally caught up with the rest of his game.
Taylor only had a chance to play everyday for the Nationals last year due to Adam Eaton’s early season-ending injury. If not for that, Taylor would have stayed on the Nationals’ bench and possibly even spent lots of time in Triple-A. A chance to receive regular at-bats allow him to find his groove and have the best season of his young career.
Through his 432 plate appearances, Taylor batted .271/.320/.486. He added many career-highs in the breakthrough campaign. These include 23 doubles, 19 home runs, and 17 stolen bases among other drastic improvements. Taylor even managed to sneak his way into the Gold Glove finalists. Ender Inciarte took home the award, but Taylor should again compete next year. That’s if he remains in the National League.
One good season doesn’t equate to an automatic starting job the following year. Just when the Nationals seemed to burn out from giving Taylor every opportunity imaginable, he shook things up.
Washington has a valuable commodity on their roster and a decision to make: does Taylor have a future with them or is he better used in a trade?
Pros of Trading Michael Taylor
Obviously, there are always benefits of trading a player. A team can upgrade at another position by dealing away surplus talent. The outfield is one area where the Nationals are quite deep at, especially if Victor Robles is closer to MLB action than many thought he’d be a year ago.
Taylor is currently the expected starting center fielder for Opening Day 2018. However, the Nationals may always choose to go another direction.
While I am doubtful they go after Lorenzo Cain, there are more possibilities in free agency. Perhaps the Nationals see the surplus of power bats out there who could play left field. Washington could sign one then slide Eaton back to center field.
For the first time in years Taylor actually has trade value. It’s not much, but it could help the Nationals add in other areas. Most notably, a team searching for a starting center fielder may be willing to part with a bullpen arm.
Hypothetically, if the Nationals were to employ an outfield of Eaton, Bryce Harper, and a veteran left fielder then they would need only one more player to join the bench. Last year, Brian Goodwin showed he deserves a 25-man roster spot in 2018. The other spot could then be occupied by one of the prospects or possibly a cheap veteran. Bringing back Adam Lind as a backup to Ryan Zimmerman and corner outfield option could always work.
Washington’s pitching staff needs work and Taylor might be the greatest asset they have in improving it. Should they decide to go that direction, the Nationals have a chance at surviving post-Taylor.
Cons of Trading Michael Taylor
As far as Taylor came last year, there’s no telling how much better he can become. It’s doubtful he’ll ever elevate his game to MVP level. However, with his mixed bag of talent, I could see him putting together a very fine albeit delayed career.
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The fact that Taylor can hit for power, steal bases, and put up really good defensive numbers shows that even if he falters in one area, he has value. He’s not quite a five-tool player with his batting average still suffering. Taylor will probably never have a fantastic eye and may always compile strikeouts. No player is perfect. At least Taylor is showing signs of improvement.
Aside from Taylor getting better and the Nationals actually missing him, it’s worth questioning how much depth the Nationals really do have. Alongside Robles, the Nationals have multiple outfielders in the minor leagues who could impact the MLB roster. Juan Soto is a Top 100 Prospect. Others, including Andrew Stevenson and Daniel Johnson, may also find a role with the Nationals in the coming seasons.
In order to move on from Taylor, the Nationals do need to have a plan in place. They need at least one player capable of starting. Goodwin is a good reserve, but not someone a team hungry for a championship should begin the year with in the starting lineup. I also hate the idea of them bringing back Jayson Werth on a one-year deal. His decline is noticeable and should only get worse.
Taylor is the easiest option for the Nationals. By keeping him, they have an idea of what they have and aren’t gambling on free agents or other trades. The Nationals will need to see exactly what they could get in return for him. Anything less than a guarantee in the bullpen or possibly even starting rotation, it’s a bad idea to trade Taylor.