Pirates prospect watch: Will Taylor flashes power potential
Will Taylor
Position: OF
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 180 pounds
Level: High-A Greensboro
Notable: Taylor is getting a reputation for coming through in the clutch. The Pirates’ fifth-round pick (No. 145 overall) in 2024, Taylor hit his third career grand slam Aug. 2 as High-A Greensboro scored a 10-2 win over Rome.
The 22-year-old outfielder has a slash line of .279/.385/.859 with nine homers and 44 RBIs, as well as 16 stolen bases this season.
On June 8, he had a three-hit game that included a grand slam and three-run homer for Low-A Bradenton. Two days later, he was promoted.
In 40 games with Greensboro, he has five homers and 25 RBIs.
Taylor was described after the draft as a first-round talent who fell a few rounds because of concerns surrounding a torn ACL he suffered while playing for the Clemson football team.
Scouts loved his bat and top-flight speed. He posted the fifth-fastest time in the 30-yard dash at the 2024 Draft Combine.
Given his recent promotion, it appears the scouts’ assessment was accurate.
Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.
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