The New York Mets are a mess. They’re 45-62, 17 games under .500, and the front office is basically holding a clearance sale before the trade deadline. But inside that wreckage, there’s a guy playing like he’s trying to will himself onto a contender.
That guy is Tyrone Taylor. And he’s been absolutely raking.
On Monday night, the Mets beat the Braves 14-3 in a game that meant nothing for the standings but everything for Taylor’s upcoming free agency. He went 3-for-5, and in the seventh inning he crushed a four-seamer deep to left field for a three-run homer. That kind of night used to be a rarity for Taylor. Lately, it’s the norm.
Since July 1, Taylor has an OPS of 1.425. He’s hit six home runs and driven in 12 runs. Over a full season, that pace is absurd. For a 32-year-old outfielder who’s been a depth piece for most of his career, this is the kind of stretch that changes a player’s life financially.
Lindor sees it up close
Shortstop Francisco Lindor has been watching Taylor’s surge from the other side of the diamond, and he didn’t hold back when asked about it.
“He doesn’t complain. He goes out there and plays the game the right way day in and day out. He gives us the chance to win every single day… For him, we always cheer a little louder,” Lindor said, via SNY.
That quote tells you everything about how Taylor is viewed in that clubhouse. Even when the season is shot and the losses pile up, he’s out there grinding. That’s the kind of stuff teammates notice. And scouts notice too.
Trade value at its peak
Taylor is headed for free agency this winter, so every at-bat right now is an audition. He’s a right-handed hitter who crushes lefties, and he can play all three outfield spots. His slugging percentage sits at .509. For a team looking for a versatile bat off the bench or a platoon option, that profile works.
He won’t cost a contending team much in terms of prospects. But in a market where outfield depth is always in demand, Taylor could be a sneaky pickup for a club that needs a spark in August and September.
The Mets have already started dangling pieces. This fire sale is real. And Taylor almost certainly won’t be in Queens after Tuesday’s deadline. That’s just the reality of where this franchise is.
But here’s the thing about players on bad teams: they can still play. They can still have moments. Taylor is having a full month of them, right when it matters most. That’s not luck. That’s a guy earning his next opportunity.
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