The Minnesota Twins are bringing back a familiar face, but this time, he's not stepping onto the field as a player. Michael A. Taylor, the recently retired outfielder, has been hired as an outfield instructor for the organization, as reported by Bobby Nightengale. But here's the twist: he won't be a typical coach.
Taylor, who hung up his cleats after the 2025 season, had a 12-year major league career, including a stint with the Twins in 2023. His batting stats might not jump off the page (.220/.278/.442 with 21 home runs), but his true talent lay elsewhere. And this is where it gets interesting...
Taylor was a defensive wizard, especially in center field. He racked up an impressive 83 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and 58 Outs Above Average (OAA) in his career, primarily as a center fielder. These numbers are even more remarkable considering he only played 7473 innings in center field, a position he didn't always hold down full-time. His overall defensive stats are equally impressive: 97 DRS and 61 OAA in nearly 9000 defensive innings. But here's where it gets controversial—how does a player with such stellar defensive skills only win one Gold Glove?
The answer lies in his offensive struggles. Taylor's propensity for strikeouts often limited his playing time, which in turn affected his eligibility for awards. Despite this, his rate of defensive success is undeniable. From 2014 until his retirement, only a handful of players surpassed his DRS total, including renowned fielders like Kevin Kiermaier, Nolan Arenado, and Mookie Betts.
Taylor's new role with the Twins is a unique one. He won't be a full-time coach, but he'll be in camp for several weeks and work with minor league outfielders throughout the 2026 season. The Twins, known for their strong center field defense, are essentially bringing in a masterclass instructor to mentor their young players.
This move by the Twins is a fascinating one. Is it a sign of a potential coaching career for Taylor? Will his defensive expertise rub off on the next generation of Twins outfielders? Only time will tell. What do you think about this unconventional hire? Is it a stroke of genius or a risky move?
