The Seattle Mariners saw a bit of roster movement on Friday as infielder Samad Taylor elected free agency, opting to test the open market after being designated for assignment. At 27 years old, Taylor’s decision comes after clearing waivers-giving him the right, due to his service time, to seek a new opportunity elsewhere.
While Taylor’s major league experience is limited-just 73 at-bats to his name-he’s made the most of his brief time in the bigs, tallying 15 hits and swiping eight bags. But it’s what he did in Triple-A Tacoma last season that really jumps off the page.
Taylor put together a standout 2025 campaign with the Rainiers, hitting .296 with 27 doubles, seven triples, and 17 home runs. He drove in 86 runs, stole 44 bases in 54 attempts, and showed a patient eye at the plate with 73 walks. All told, he posted a strong .839 OPS-a clear sign that he’s more than just organizational depth at the minor league level.
This isn’t a one-off either. Taylor has consistently produced at Triple-A stops in the Royals and Blue Jays systems as well. The bat plays in the upper minors, and he brings more to the table than just offensive production.
Defensively, Taylor’s versatility is a major asset. In 2025 alone, he logged 101 games at second base and 32 in center field, while also seeing time at third, shortstop, left, and right field. That kind of flexibility is gold for clubs looking to round out their rosters heading into spring training.
The question now is whether a team will give him a legitimate shot to crack a big-league roster. He’s got the speed, the glove, and a track record of getting on base and creating havoc once he’s there.
With spring camps just around the corner, don’t be surprised if Taylor lands with a new team soon. And once he does, he’ll have the chance to prove he’s more than just a Triple-A standout-he’s a player who’s ready to stick in the majors.