Tyrone Taylor Helps Ignite Mets’ Hot Streak
After their first scheduled off day in over two weeks, the Mets are headed on a road trip where they will take on the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game set.
Let’s be real, the Dodgers have a lot in their scouting report they need to prepare for. The great eye of Brandon Nimmo, the all-fields hitting prowess of Jeff McNeil, the power of Pete Alonso … and the .341 batting average of Tyrone Taylor!
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The 30-year-old outfielder is off to quite the hot start, becoming an extremely important piece in the outfield while carving out a regular role in the lineup. Through 41 at-bats this season, he is slashing .341/.378/.463 with a home run and 10 RBI, which is tied for the second-best mark on the team.
Taylor roped three more hits against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, paving the path to a three-game sweep of the Buccos at Citi Field in a 9-1 win. His biggest knock of the day came in the sixth inning with runners on second and third with two outs while the Mets were clinging to a 2-1 lead. Taylor ultimately grounded a fastball up the middle, scoring two to help provide some much-needed insurance for the bullpen.
Tyrone Taylor comes through!
Mets lead 4-1! pic.twitter.com/72cLpTpfO2
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 17, 2024
Taylor’s hot start ranks him in the 80th percentile of hitters in terms of expected batting average and the 69th percentile in whiff percentage. Plus, his 68th percentile sprint speed has helped in his 15 games played as he’s picked up two stolen bases. Furthermore, Taylor’s 0.4 bWAR is tied for second most on the team amongst position players.
Despite not holding an everyday role with the team, Taylor is maintaining a positive mindset and is appreciative of the opportunities he has been provided so far this year.
“I’m just thankful to be out here with this group every day, no matter what my role is,” Taylor told reporters after Wednesday’s game.
It’s a small sample size, but if Taylor can maintain anything close to the 138 OPS+ he’s currently carrying, the Mets will continue to be in a good position with their outfield depth.
On to L.A.!
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