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Royals Rumors: Michael A. Taylor gives Royals another outfielder for 2021

By Leigh Oleszczak

Sep 1, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Michael A. Taylor (3) catches a line drive hit by Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Roman Quinn (24) (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Michael A. Taylor (3) catches a line drive hit by Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Roman Quinn (24) (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Royals rumors are busy this week, as the Kansas City Royals signed Michael A. Taylor on Monday. This is their second free agent signing of the week.

The Kansas City Royals added another outfielder to their roster by signing Michael A. Taylor to a one-year deal worth $1.75 million and another $1 million in incentives. Taylor is a former sixth-round pick in the 2009 MLB Draft by the Nationals where he had spent the entirety of his career until now.

Taylor isn’t someone who puts up eye-popping numbers, sitting with an average slash line of .237/.291/.395 in his seven-year career. He can hit for power, hitting an average of 15 home runs a year, and is speedy with an average of 22 stolen bases a year.

The Royals were likely intrigued by Taylor because of his speed and his defensive skills. He’s also someone who can play any outfield position, which is another attribute that Dayton Moore likes with his outfielders.

Royals rumors are more plentiful than fans were expecting, especially this early on in the offseason.

Michael A. Taylor gives the Kansas City Royals someone who can play solid defense at any position in the outfield and he’s also a guy who is quick on the base paths. The Royals don’t necessarily have a shortage of outfielders heading into 2021, but with Alex Gordon’s retirement, having another veteran outfielder can’t hurt by any means.

As of now, the Royals have eight total outfielders on their 40-man roster (including Taylor). Whit Merrifield is a lock to start, but part of why he’s such a big playmaker for this team is that he can play nearly anywhere on the diamond. The Royals acquired both Franchy Cordero and Edward Olivares in separate trades with the Padres last season and the hope was that both would be key contributors moving forward.

The other outfielders are Nick Heath, Khalil Lee, Jorge Soler, and Bubba Starling. Soler is obviously the team’s designated hitter while the other three are depth pieces for 2021 (though Heath and Lee are hopefully going to be key players down the road.

Taylor fits right into what the Royals look for with their position players — He’s fast, versatile, and is a gem defensively. He should fit in nicely with this Royals team that looks to be turning the corner from rebuilding to contending. That’s the hope at least.

Next. Potential Trades Involving Jorge Soler. dark

How do you feel about this signing, Royals fans? What expectations do you have for Michael A. Taylor?

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