Jul 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor (28) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
QUEENS, NY — Interim manager Andy Green described Tyrone Taylor’s bat as “smoking hot,” and it is playing the veteran outfielder off the Mets.
With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline looming on Aug. 3, Taylor is catapulting his trade stock to new heights after another big night in Monday’s 14-3 win over the Atlanta Braves, in which he went 3-for-5 with his second three-run home run in as many days
Over his last 37 plate appearances (15 games), the 32-year-old is slashing .406/.486/1.094 (1.580 OPS) with six home runs and 12 RBI. For comparison’s sake, the reserve outfielder hit just three home runs with 14 RBI in his first 47 games of the season. Last season, he hit just two home runs across 310 at-bats.
Taylor’s defense has always been elite, which has made him a valuable asset for years. But now, with this offensive awakening from the right side of the plate and an expiring contract at the end of this season while playing for a team on the cusp of a fire sale, he is a hot commodity for teams in the postseason hunt.
“He’s impressed me as a person for years now,” Green said. “The type of teammate he is, the type of way he goes about his work. Can’t imagine anybody wouldn’t love having him on their team, and he really defends the field.”
Former Mets manager Carlos Mendoza would often describe Taylor as a “winning player,” due to an unflappable demeanor and a ceaseless joy despite being in a difficult role. Coming off the bench for the majority of his tenure in Queens, Taylor appeared in 130 games in 2024, then 113 last season, and now just 62 after missing a month because of a hip injury.
“The guy’s a great teammate, great person, great family man, and he understands his role, and he’s really good at it,” star shortstop Francisco Lindor said. “He doesn’t complain. He goes out there and plays the game the right way day in and day out, and he gives us a chance to win every single day. We’re all super happy for him. Whenever he gets it done — yeah, we cheer for each other — but we cheer a little louder. I think it’s just the type of person that he is.”
“He’s such a good guy,” second baseman Marcus Semien added. “Always positive even through the tough times this year. He’s the same guy. He’s found something that’s working for him right now. He’s got some good rhythm at the plate.”
There is a very real chance that Taylor does not go far, even if he is traded before next week’s deadline. Two of the Mets’ division rivals, the Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, could use a player of his exact make-up. The crosstown-rival Yankees are also in dire need of some serviceable outfield depth with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and, to a lesser extent, Giancarlo Stanton all on the IL.
For more on Tyrone Taylor and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
