Blue Jays: Samad Taylor knocking on the door

The Blue Jays have had a number of blue chip prospects climb through the ranks over the last few seasons, and while the top end talent isn’t still oozing through the system there are still quality players coming.

One player that is having a strong start to his 2022 MiLB campaign is 23-year old Samad Taylor who is ranked as the 16th top prospect in the Blue Jays organization by MLB.  Taylor was acquired back in 2018 along with Thomas Pannone for relief pitcher Joe Smith at the trade deadline that year.

Taylor is forcing Blue Jays management to take notice of him through his hard work and determination.  In the offseason leading into the 2021 season, he travelled to Australia with Chavez Young to play for the Canberry Cavalry to play baseball over the North American winter.  This past offseason, Taylor went and played winter ball in the Dominican Republic for the Tigres del Licey, which led to some opportunities in Spring Training.

Since being acquired from the Cleveland Indians, prospect Samad Taylor has continued to show he will work as hard as he can to get a MLB opportunity.

Manager Charlie Montoyo got the Taylor into two games during Spring Training and he gave the team something to think about as he went 2-3 which included a home run and a pair of runs.  His strong work has led to an opportunity on the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons this year as the primary second baseman.  While his natural position is at second base, Taylor has made four of his 16 starts in left field showing he can be a versatile player, and we all know how the Blue Jays value players that can play all over the field.

So far to start the 2022 season, Taylor has yet to make an error in the field, while he is producing at the plate.  Taylor is currently 13-49 and has more walks (14) than strikeouts (11) to post a slash line of .265/.446/.388 as he also has four extra-base hits.  Taylor’s biggest asset is his ability to steal bases and is already into double digits on the season as he is 10-11 stealing bases.

Through his continued progression, Taylor has given the Blue Jays another option and is now knocking on the door to get a major league opportunity.  Do you think Taylor gets an opportunity in Toronto this year, or will he be used as a trade chip for the upcoming deadline?