Michael A.

Taylor

Taylor was signed as a reserve and possible fallback in case the White Sox traded Luis Robert Jr., but with Andrew Benintendi hurt, he’ll probably see an expanded role early on. Alas, things are looking rather bleak here right now. Taylor is 0-for-13 with 10 strikeouts and two walks through five games.

Taylor was scratched from Saturday’s lineup with elbow inflammation. The 33-year-old is expected to be a fourth outfielder during the 2025 campaign for the lowly White Sox.

Taylor has gone 0-for-8 with one steal in three Cactus League contests this spring as he attempts to land a spot on Chicago’s season-opening roster as a reserve outfielder. The 33-year-old defensive specialist signed a one-year deal with the White Sox for $1.95 million last month and figures to open the year in a bench role.

The 33-year-old defensive specialist started in left field and hit leadoff for the White Sox in this one. He worked Triston McKenzie for a walk to begin the fifth inning, swiped second base and scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Austin Slater. With Andrew Benintendi (hand) shelved to start the season, the door appears to be open for Taylor to secure a regular role in the White Sox’ outfield for the first month of the season.

Taylor will come in to be a defensive specialist for the White Sox. The 33-year-old hit just .193/.253/.290, and should be avoided if possible in all eligible fantasy formats.

No word yet on the financial terms. Taylor remains a strong defender in center field, but offers next to nothing at the dish after batting .193/.253/.290 with five homers and 12 steals across 300 plate appearances last year for the Pirates. The 33-year-old can be safely ignored in most fantasy formats, but his presence should help Chicago’s pitching staff by tracking down a few extra fly balls.

The Pirates probably should have done this a month ago, but we’re not sure what the point is of doing it now. Taylor hit just .193/.253/.290 in 300 plate appearances. Initially the Pirates’ primary center fielder, he had received just 16 plate appearances in his bit role this month. He’s still a strong defender, so he should land a bench job this winter.

No reason has been given, but it’s worth noting that McCutchen was just activated Friday from the injured list due to knee inflammation. Oneil Cruz is now the designated hitter, and Michael A. Taylor is now the starting center fielder.

Taylor is in the midst of a career-worst season, slashing .196/.257/.284 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 100 games. He’s still playing strong defense, but he’s not doing enough at the plate to justify the one-year, $4 million contract he signed this offseason. He is still owed approximately $790,000 for the remainder of the season, so the Pirates are hoping somebody will claim him off waivers and take on the remainder of the salary. If Taylor does go unclaimed, he can reject an outright assignment to the minor leagues without giving up any of his salary, which means the Pirates could decide to retain him on the active roster in the scenario as a fourth outfielder and defensive replacement.

The Pirates have now faced three left-handed starters in a row so Tellez, Ji Hwan Bae, and Billy McKinney continue to sit with Connor Joe at first base, Michael A Taylor in center field, and Bryan De La Cruz in right field. Tellez and Bae should get back into the lineup regularly when the Pirates face a righty but, unfortunately, they are lined up to face another lefty starter on Friday.