Carson Taylor

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #28 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Taylor split his time between catcher, first base and DH at Virginia Tech and got off to a blistering start in 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic canceled the season. The Dodgers drafted him in the fourth round and signed him for $397,500. Taylor jumped to High-A Great Lakes for his pro debut and shook off a slow start to hit .294 with an .842 OPS from June through the end of the season. Most importantly, he made needed defensive strides and capably handled a high-octane Loons pitching staff.
  
  Scouting Report: The switch-hitting Taylor is firmly a bat-first catcher. He’s a patient hitter who controls the strike zone and consistently conducts high-level at-bats from both sides of the plate. He’s a better hitter from the right side, but he made adjustments to improve his lefthanded swing and projects to be an average hitter overall. Taylor has below-average power, so most of his offensive production will come from making contact and getting on-base. Taylor’s defense is improving and has an outside chance to get to average. His receiving and framing are solid, but his blocking, throwing and game-calling all have a ways to go. He’s physically large and has below-average mobility and athleticism, which often leads to inconsistent timing and footwork on his throws.
  
  The Future: Taylor will have to keep improving defensively to be a backup catcher. He’ll move to Double-A Tulsa in 2022.
  

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #218 prospect in 2020 draft
  A draft-eligible sophomore who’s spent time at catcher, first base and DH for Virginia Tech, Taylor was off to a blistering start in the 2020 season before coronavirus brought things to a halt. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound switch-hitting catcher led the Hokies in most offensive categories and managed a .431/.541/.690 line with 12 walks and five strikeouts. He recorded multiple hits in 7 out of 16 games, and had scouts intrigued as a 6-7 round talent in a typical draft. It will be interesting to see what teams do with Taylor now that the 2020 draft is just five rounds; his eligible-sophomore status could give him more leverage, and his summer track record doesn’t quite stand up to his performance with Virginia Tech. After a strong freshman campaign (.290/.389/.413), Taylor played in 12 games in the Cape Cod League, where he hit just .152/.243/.333. Taylor has more power from the left side and has always shown good plate discipline—he has 32 career walks to 26 strikeouts. Coaches have praised his work behind the dish. College catchers who perform and have the tools to defend are always valuable in the draft, so Taylor could be an interesting late-round selection.

• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Taylor split his time between catcher, first base and DH at Virginia Tech and got off to a blistering start in 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic canceled the season. The Dodgers drafted him in the fourth round and signed him for $397,500. Taylor jumped to High-A Great Lakes for his pro debut and shook off a slow start to hit .294 with an .842 OPS from June through the end of the season. Most importantly, he made needed defensive strides and capably handled a high-octane Loons pitching staff.
  
  Scouting Report: The switch-hitting Taylor is firmly a bat-first catcher. He’s a patient hitter who controls the strike zone and consistently conducts high-level at-bats from both sides of the plate. He’s a better hitter from the right side, but he made adjustments to improve his lefthanded swing and projects to be an average hitter overall. Taylor has below-average power, so most of his offensive production will come from making contact and getting on-base. Taylor’s defense is improving and has an outside chance to get to average. His receiving and framing are solid, but his blocking, throwing and game-calling all have a ways to go. He’s physically large and has below-average mobility and athleticism, which often leads to inconsistent timing and footwork on his throws.
  
  The Future: Taylor will have to keep improving defensively to be a backup catcher. He’ll move to Double-A Tulsa in 2022.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Taylor missed two weeks with a groin tweak but has impressed when healthy. He improved his receiving and pitch-framing and has capably handled a high-octane pitching staff at High-A Great Lakes. His blocking, throwing and game-calling remain works in progress but are moving in the right direction. The switch-hitter made some positive adjustments to his lefthanded swing and has been on fire offensively after a slow start. He has more walks than strikeouts and is showing an advanced ability to conduct high-level at-bats.