Michael A. Taylor and the Washington Nationals avoid arbitration, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $3.325 million, according MLB insider Robert Murray.
Taylor and the Nationals had until Friday to reach a deal before heading to arbitration.
Taylor gets an incentive bonus if he reaches 300 plate appearances. He will enter the 2020 season as the Nationals’ fourth outfielder behind Juan Soto, Adam Eaton and Victor Robles.
In 2019, Taylor had 97 plate appearances, hitting .250/.305/.364 with one home run and three RBIs during the regular season.
Following his breakthrough season in 2017 where he hit career-highs of .271/.320/.486 and 19 home runs, Taylor slumped the following season. His hitting dipped to .227/.287/.357 with six home runs and 28 RBIs, prompting the team to shift their focus around Robles.
Bringing back Taylor adds insurance against any injuries in the outfield. While his bat has regressed he is a defensive stud in the outfield.
