Andrew Taylor

Taylor largely attacks hitters with a see-if-you-can-hit-it fastball. It’s a simple approach, but it’s a really impressive fastball, and he throws it nearly 80% of the time. Taylor’s fastball velocity isn’t all that impressive. He sits at 90-91 mph and can touch 93-94, but he generates bushels of swings and misses thanks to the pitch’s excellent life at the top of the zone. He got swings and misses at a well above-average 32% clip with his fastball. That fastball is very appealing to clubs who emphasize analytical attributes. Taylor has been one of the most effective starters in Division I in 2021 and 2022. His 2021 season saw him go 11-4, 1.81 with 125 strikeouts and 24 walks in 94 innings. He went 8-4, 3.21 in 2022, but his peripheral numbers were pretty similar (126 strikeouts and 27 walks in 84 innings). He gave up 11 home runs (seven more than in 2021), which helps explain the higher ERA. Taylor’s mid-70s slider and 80 mph curveball are both fringe-average pitches, although his average changeup has solid deception and generates some depth. He has average control. Taylor’s track record of success and lively fastball should help him go before too long on day two of the draft.