Infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor has cleared outright waivers and elected free agency, a move announced by the Mariners. Taylor was previously designated for assignment when Seattle acquired right-hander Yosver Zulueta. His decision to elect free agency was due to a previous career outright, which grants players this right after a second such instance.
Career Overview
Taylor, 27, has participated in 83 Major League Baseball games across three seasons with the Royals and Mariners. In 83 plate appearances, he recorded a .205/.272/.260 batting line. During this time, he stole eight bases without being caught. Defensively, he has been utilized at second base, third base, and all three outfield positions.
His offensive performance in the minor leagues has been more robust. Over the past four years at the Triple-A level, Taylor posted a .281/.373/.432 batting line over 1,950 plate appearances, translating to a 108 wRC+. He also demonstrated base-stealing ability with 160 swipes in 200 attempts, maintaining a 12.1% walk rate and a 21.8% strikeout rate.
Free Agency Details
Taylor was outrighted through waivers by the Mariners approximately one year ago. He was subsequently added back to the roster in April but spent most of the year on optional assignment, thereby exhausting his final option. With a second outright waiver clearance, Taylor exercised his right to elect free agency. As no club claimed him on waivers, he is anticipated to pursue minor league contract offers, with pitchers and catchers reporting in less than two weeks.