The Pittsburgh Pirates today signed outfielder Michael A. Taylor to a one-year Major League contract.
The 32-year-old Taylor hit a career-high 21 home runs while also ranking fifth among all American League center fielders in 2023 with five Defensive Runs Saved according to FanGraphs.
Since the beginning of the 2020 season, Taylor is tied for the second-most Defensive Runs Saved (45) among all outfielders in Major League Baseball according to the Fielding Bible, trailing only Daulton Varsho (53).
Last year with the Twins, Taylor ranked sixth among American League center fielders in starts (110) and fifth in fielding percentage (.990) after being charged with three errors in 293 total chances.
In 2021 as a member of the Royals, Taylor won his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award to become the first Kansas City center fielder to take home the award since Willie Wilson in 1980.
Since breaking into the big leagues in 2014, Taylor has recorded a .239 career average (696-for-2916) with 127 doubles, 23 triples, 95 home runs, 332 RBI and 108 stolen bases in 969 games with Washington (2014-20), Kansas City (2021-22) and Minnesota (2023).
To make room for Taylor on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Dauri Moreta has been placed on the 60-day injured list.
In addition, the Pirates have signed right-handed pitcher Domingo German (pronounced hurr-MAHN) to a minor league contract, which includes a non-roster invitation to big league camp.
