Michael A. Taylor, at Dusty Baker’s urging, made the most of his opportunity in center field this season, taking over for the injured Adam Eaton, and excelling, after dealing with injury issues himself. Taylor, 26, had been given opportunities before and he had struggled, but this season he impressed at the plate and in center, and this afternoon, he was named a finalist for the NL Gold Glove award in center field.
Taylor posted a .271/.320/.486 line with 23 doubles and 19 home runs over 118 games and 432 plate appearances, putting up 105 wRC+ and finishing the 2017 campaign at 3.