Minnesota Twins' new manager Derek Shelton is keeping affairs within the organization. Shelton has already brought back former Twin LaTory Hawkins to the coaching staff, and now, another player has been hired.
Michael A. Taylor, who played for the Twins in 2023 as part of a 12-year career, was hired by Shelton as the club's newest outfield instructor.
Michael A. Taylor hired by Minnesota Twins as an outfield instructor
Taylor won a Gold Glove in 2021 with the Royals, and was one of the best defensive players of his time. He almost racked up 100 career defensive runs saved, which ranks among the top of any player during his MLB tenure.
Even in his final season, Taylor was still an exceptional fielder out in center. With the White Sox, Taylor was in the 83rd percentile in range, as well as 72nd in arm strength.
At 34 years old, Taylor retired from playing after producing a 12.8 bWAR with 128 stolen bases and 109 home runs. In his lone season with the Twins, he blasted a career-high 21 home runs, along with 51 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
Taylor will have fun working with superstar Byron Buxton out in center field. Buxton is already a top-end defensive player in Major League Baseball. Perhaps Taylor can help Buxton unlock one more tool to his game.
Besides Buxton, look out for Taylor to help Austin Martin improve in all areas. James Outman and Matt Wallner each have great arms, but still have some work to do in other aspects of roaming the outfield. Someone like Taylor, who has a solid track record of tremendous range, could be a piece to the puzzle of getting everyone better.
The Minnesota Twins still are not done with making moves, whether that be within the coaching staff or the active roster. But as we get closer to Spring Training (almost one month away!), we can see the consistent traction that the Twins' front office is making. Taylor is a guy who played for several teams, so for him to sign with Minnesota has to tell us that something good is going on behind closed doors.
Welcome back to Minnesota, Michael A. Taylor. Hopefully the 2026 campaign is a bounce-back season, and one that will be much better because of his assistance in the outfield. This addition is a fun one. Let's keep the ball rolling.