2023 MLB Draft Profile: Brayden Taylor

Should the Marlins select Taylor if he’s available with their first-round draft pick?

Position: 3B

Height: 6'1″

Weight: 180 pounds

School: TCU

Brayden Taylor is a 6’1”, 180-pound third baseman who played for the TCU Horned Frogs. Taylor has been a stud for the Horned Frogs since he enrolled on campus in 2021. He has developed into a first-round talent and led TCU to the College World Series this past season. 

Coming out of high school, Taylor was a top prospect out of Utah, but went undrafted in 2020's five-round draft.

In his freshman season at TCU, Taylor earned a starting role and made an immediate impact on the Horned Frogs. Taylor slashed .324/.445/.572 with 72 hits, eleven doubles, twelve home runs, 53 RBIs, and a 1.017 OPS. Taylor was named a Freshman All-American and was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

In his sophomore season, Taylor continued to rake for the Horned Frogs. Taylor slashed .314/.454/.576 with 66 hits, fourteen doubles, thirteen home runs, 50 RBIs, ten stolen bases, and a 1.030 OPS. Taylor was named Second Team All-Big 12 and played for the USA Collegiate National Team.

In his junior season, Taylor’s power started to break out and he helped TCU make it all the way to the College World Series. Taylor slashed .308/.430/.631 with 80 hits, fifteen doubles, 23 home runs, 70 RBIs, 54 walks, and a 1.061 OPS.

Taylor was even a Cape Cod All-Star in 2021 before playing for Team USA last summer. Taylor is also a solid defensive player, which makes him a well-rounded prospect.

Strengths

• Consistently put together good seasons at TCU
• Plus hitting and power tools
• Hits for contact and power
• Good defensive third baseman 
• Controls strike zone well

Weaknesses

• Doesn’t have great range defensively 
• Sacrificed a little contact for power last season

Pro Comparison: Ryan McMahon 

Projection: Top 20 pick

Bottom Line

Brayden Taylor has proved to be a very good hitter during his collegiate career who can slug with a good glove and average speed. That has boosted his draft stock significantly.

The Marlins might be reaching to take Taylor in the first round. The better play would be hoping that he falls to them with the 35th pick and pivot to other comparable bats in this class if Taylor doesn't last that long. 

Photo courtesy of btay232/Instagram