Will Taylor showed he made the right decision in the 2025 season. Having exited football from Clemson and concentrated exclusively on the Pirates’ system,
Taylor blew up for a .831 OPS at two minor league levels. He combined power with patience, hitting 14 home runs, stealing 23 bases and keeping a .373 OBP. His athleticism — which was previously limited to the gridiron — has now helped him cover massive ground in the outfield.
The Pirates, who signed him for almost $500,000 in 2024, do seem to glimpse the “star” potential in their 5th-round steal.
2026 Season Preview: Taylor aims to open 2026 with Double-A Altoona. For a 23-year-old in top-flight wheels, Double-A is the ultimate testing ground. His projected completion, if he stays healthy, is already 20/20 this year, he’s believed.
His walk rate is already elite; if he can maintain a strikeout rate manageable against Double-A breaking balls, he’ll be knocking on the door of PNC Park by the end of summer. Taylor is no longer just an "athlete." he has become a baseball player waiting for some important breakthrough moment.