Pittsburgh, PA, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Will Taylor is showcasing his talent in the Arizona Fall League with the Salt River Rafters. His highlight came when he hit his first home run of the season against the Glendale Desert Dogs. Despite a mixed performance overall, including a batting average of .182 across 11 at-bats, Taylor’s potential shines through as he plays multiple positions. His varied background as a multi-sport athlete and solid early-season stats in Single-A baseball contribute to his prospect status within the Pirates organization.
Pittsburgh, PA – Will Taylor, a promising outfielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, is making waves in the Arizona Fall League as a member of the Salt River Rafters. Taylor’s standout moment came on October 15 when he launched his first home run of the season, cementing his place as a notable prospect to watch in the league.
In the game against the Glendale Desert Dogs, Taylor hit a 394-foot home run off a 91.8 mph sinker, helping his team extend the lead to 7-1 in the third inning. The Salt River Rafters ultimately triumphed with a score of 12-9. However, Taylor’s performance throughout the Fall League has been mixed, with a current batting line of .182/.308/.545 for an OPS of .853 across 11 at-bats, which includes only two hits, one being his recent home run and the other a double. He has also recorded two walks and four strikeouts during the league.
Taylor’s versatility is evident as he has played multiple outfield positions, including starts in right field against the Mesa Solar Sox on October 9 and center field against Glendale and the Surprise Saguaros several times. His transition into the Fall League follows an up-and-down season that began with promising statistics in Single-A Bradenton.
During the start of the 2025 season, Taylor showcased his abilities with a remarkable .333/.424/.569 slash line and an OPS of .993 over 29 games. He produced 34 hits in 102 at-bats, including 10 doubles, one triple, four home runs, and 19 RBIs, alongside eight stolen bases from 14 attempts. However, his season was interrupted as he started on the injured list for most of April, returning to play on May 4.
After showing significant potential at Bradenton, he was promoted to High-A Greensboro, where he faced challenges and slashed .231/.351/.410 over 64 games. Despite hitting 10 home runs and 43 RBIs, his numbers dropped significantly in the final months, with July being his best month at Greensboro, where he managed a .257/.391/.486 line. Throughout the season, he primarily played center field, starting 58 games there along with additional appearances in right field, left field, and as designated hitter.
Taylor hails from Irmo, S.C., where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete in high school, showcasing his talents in baseball, football, wrestling, and track and field. He began his academic career at Ben Lippen School before transferring to Dutch Fork High School. As a senior, he achieved considerable success in football, throwing for 2,237 yards and 21 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 448 yards and additional touchdowns, earning a three-star commitment to Clemson University.
Although drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Taylor opted to attend Clemson and continued to compete in both football and baseball. He faced challenges during his early collegiate career due to an ACL injury but bounced back, recording a .260/.397/.320 line across limited appearances. His breakout season came in 2023, where he shone with a slashing line of .362/.489/.523, achieving an OPS of 1.012.
In 2024, he played one final season with Clemson before being drafted by the Pirates in the fifth round of the MLB Draft, where he signed for a $500,000 bonus. After brief appearances for Bradenton in 2024 with a line of .206/.329/.349 across 17 games, Taylor is not expected to contribute to the Pirates’ major league roster imminently. Nonetheless, his potential greatly enhances the organization’s outfield depth as they look toward the future.
FAQ
Who is Will Taylor?
Will Taylor is a Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder currently playing in the Arizona Fall League for the Salt River Rafters.
What was Taylor’s notable achievement in the Arizona Fall League?
On October 15, Taylor hit his first home run of the Arizona Fall League against the Glendale Desert Dogs, launching a 394-foot home run.
What were Taylor’s statistics while playing in the Fall League?
Taylor’s performance at the plate in the Arizona Fall League has been challenging, slashing .182/.308/.545 for an OPS of .853, with only two hits in 11 at-bats.
What is Taylor’s background in sports?
Taylor is a multi-sport athlete, excelling in baseball, football, wrestling, and track and field during high school before committing to baseball.
Where did Will Taylor originally play college baseball?
Will Taylor played college baseball at Clemson before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Key Features of Will Taylor’s Career
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Team | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Fall League Performance | Slashing .182/.308/.545 with 1 home run in 11 at-bats |
| Single-A Bradenton Stats | Achieved a .333/.424/.569 slash line over 29 games |
| High-A Greensboro Stats | Slashed .231/.351/.410 over 64 games |
| Background | Multi-sport athlete from Irmo, S.C. |
| College | Clemson University |
| Draft Year | 2024 by the Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Bonus Signed | $500,000 |
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Additional Resources
- SI: One Pittsburgh Pirates Will Taylor to Watch in Arizona Fall League
- Google Search: Will Taylor Pittsburgh Pirates
- Tribune Review: Pirates Prospect Watch – Will Taylor
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona Fall League
- The Clemson Insider: Former Tiger Tearing it Up in Minor Leagues
- Google News: Will Taylor Clemson
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