Tyrone Taylor might just be the Mets’ most valuable offseason acquisition of the early portions of 2024.
Brought on as a fourth outfielder by David Stearns, who had him for five seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, the 30-year-old has forced his way into regular playing time — and deservedly so. In 18 games, he’s batting .327 with an .869 OPS, two home runs, and 13 RBI.
“I’m definitely happy with the results. It helps build confidence,” Taylor said. “I’m doing a good job in having a consistent approach every at-bat and trying to just put together good at-bats… I’m just thankful to be here with this group every day regardless of what my role is and try to stay ready as if I’m going to play every day.”
On Wednesday, he went 2-for-5 in the Mets’ series finale against the Giants in San Francisco in which he clubbed a solo home run and brought in another pair with a double. The performance left manager Carlos Mendoza lauding Taylor.
“He is going to be a huge part of this team moving forward,” Mendoza said (h/t Associated Press). “I’m just happy that he’s having great results because he’s such a great guy, but he’s also a really good player.”
While his solid glove has been as advertised, playing all three outfield positions already this season, his offensive production is being posted at a clip never before seen. Taylor was a .239 career hitter before joining the Mets.
The Torrance, CA native cited extensive work on utilizing the lower half of his body more while at the plate. An ability to keep that connected with his upper body ensures that the barrel of his bat stays in the zone for a longer period of time to maximize the chances of contact and open up all portions of the field.
He only had 10 base hits to right-center or right field last season. He already has three this year.
“I just try to be my best self every day,” Taylor said. “I work hard in practice, I have a gameplan, I’m consistent with my work… I definitely have the mindset of getting better every day but you never know with baseball. Good things happen, bad things happen, I’m just riding the wave.”
