The Twins’ decision not to re-sign Michael A. Taylor is haunting them. Instead of retaining Taylor, who excelled as the team’s centerfielder last season, they opted for a trade that brought in Manuel Margot. This move, made late in the offseason, has backfired, leaving the Twins with regrets.
During the offseason, the Twins faced challenges due to budget constraints, resulting in a series of underwhelming roster moves. Taylor’s departure despite his stellar performance in 2023 left fans disappointed.
As injuries sidelined Byron Buxton, Taylor stepped up, proving his worth as an everyday player. However, the Twins overlooked his contributions and allowed him to enter free agency, where he eventually signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Taylor’s success with the Pirates highlights the Twins’ misstep in not bringing him back. While fans are pleased to see Taylor thriving, it’s disheartening to witness Margot’s struggles in his place. The decision to trade for Margot was based on the expectation of offensive prowess, but his performance has fallen short compared to Taylor’s consistency.
Taylor’s defensive prowess, exemplified by his remarkable play in the AL Wild Card Game, remains unforgettable for Twins fans. Despite Margot’s slightly superior offensive stats, Taylor’s balanced performance in 2023, marked by a career-high in home runs and solid OPS+, suggests he was a valuable asset.
A Taylor-made catch to preserve the lead. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SKAKJFjcmd
— MLB (@MLB) October 3, 2023
The Twins’ attempt to groom Austin Martin as Buxton’s backup also fell short, as Margot took precedence, leaving Martin on the fringes of the lineup.
The fact that Margot and Taylor are earning the same salary adds insult to injury, especially considering Taylor’s anticipated higher earnings.
In hindsight, retaining Taylor would have been a prudent move for the Twins, allowing them to secure a better player while adhering to budget constraints. Instead, their gamble on Margot has proven costly, leaving fans wishing Taylor was still wearing a Twins uniform.
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