Brayden Taylor is among the best third base prospects in baseball
The 2023 first round draft pick has a promising future
Sometimes, it can be easy to overlook Brayden Taylor when looking through prospects in the Tampa Bay Rays system.
He is the kind of player that is above average at everything, but not elite. He’ll hit for a respectable average, provide solid enough pop, steal some bases, and play decent defense. Which is exactly what Taylor has done since being selected by the Rays as the 19th overall pick in the 2023 draft. During his first professional season, Taylor hit .242/.361/.516 with 5 HR and 11 SB over 25 games, registering a 142 wRC+.
This most recent season, splitting the campaign between High-A and Double-A, Taylor hit .250/.365/.493 with 20 HR and 29 SB over 114 games, registering a 144 wRC+.
Taylor did struggle with strikeouts in Double-A, but also showcased plenty of power and an ability to get on base.
His performance hasn’t gone unnoticed though as MLB Pipeline and Baseball America both tab him as one of the best third base prospects in the game entering the 2025 season; MLB Pipeline dubbed him as the 4th best, while Baseball America ranks him as the 5th best. Taylor also received a spot on Baseball America’s Top 100, slotting in at 65th (MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 will be announced on Friday night).
His tool grades are as follows from Baseball America and MLB Pipeline:
Hit: 50 / 50
Power: 50 / 55
Speed: 50 / 50
Fielding: 50 / 55
Arm: 50 / 55
Although he doesn’t have a standout tool, MLB Pipeline did rate Taylor’s fielding as the best of the top ten third base prospects.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that two players (Brady House was given the same fielding rating) with ample shortstop experience appear here. Taylor is a good fit for Tampa Bay’s versatility-loving organization, and while he’s athletic enough to feature up the middle occasionally, his range is a great fit for the corner spot on the left side.
Taylor won’t turn 24-years old until May, and seems destined to begin the 2025 season back in Double-A with the Montgomery Biscuits.