Taylor Trammell

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #6 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Running: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 40.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Trammell has been on the move frequently the last two seasons. The 2018 Futures Game MVP with the Reds, he was traded to the Padres at the 2019 trade deadline and sent to the Mariners at the 2020 deadline as part of the package for Austin Nola. He joined the Mariners at the alternate training site in Tacoma and finished the year in instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell has the ingredients to be an offensive asset, but he hasn’t put them all together. He has size, strength and bat speed and showed improved plate discipline at instructional league. His swing is a bit long, and there are timing issues that lead to holes pitchers can exploit. Trammell stands out for elite athleticism stemming from his background as an all-state running back in high school. He’s since filled out his lower half and is more of an above-average than plus runner. Trammell’s improved instincts and routes in the outfield stood out this summer and give him a chance to stay in center field. His arm is below-average but accurate.
  
  THE FUTURE: Trammell needs a full season at Triple-A, but his solid makeup and work ethic are positive signs that he will make the necessary adjustments.
• 
  Ranked San Diego Padres #4 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The Padres eyed Trammell with their second-round pick in the 2016 draft, but the Reds beat them to it and grabbed him in the supplemental first round. After Trammell won MVP of the 2018 Futures Game and starred again at the 2019 edition, the Padres acquired him from Cincinnati in a three-team trade that sent Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen to the Indians. Trammell scuffled after joining Double-A Amarillo, but he ended on a high note when he hit the go-ahead grand slam in the ninth inning of the deciding game of the Texas League finals.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell won Georgia's high school football player of the year award as a senior and brings that athleticism to the diamond. He is a plus runner who makes game-changing plays on the bases and plays with a high motor. Trammell is a patient hitter adept at working counts, but his swing is often not on time. The Padres made adjustments to his load and posture and saw results in the Texas League playoffs, when he hit three home runs and posted a .998 OPS. Trammell isn't a natural center fielder despite his speed, and his below-average arm makes him best suited for left field.
  
  THE FUTURE: Trammell's athleticism and patience give him a strong foundation. How well he maintains his swing improvements will determine his future.
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #3 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: A star running back in high school, Trammell has made a smooth transition to pro ball. He has hit at every level and he starred on the big stage in 2018, earning MVP honors at the Futures Game with a 2-for-2 game with a triple and a 438-foot home run. He ranked among the Florida State League leaders in on-base percentage and stolen bases.
  
  Scouting Report: Trammell’s athleticism has helped him become an impact player on both sides of the ball. He is a plus hitter. There will always be swing-and-miss to his game, but he gets to his power even with a simple setup that allows him to stay balanced at the plate. Trammell doesn’t try to do too much, making the most of his skill set while understanding game situations. A strong upper body and quick hands will develop into above-average power. Trammell is a plus runner who is aggressive on the basepaths while also showing plus range in center field. He has improved his defensive play but has a below-average arm.
  
  The Future: Trammell’s bat and athleticism should help him become an offensive-minded, first-division outfielder before too long. He fits best in center field, but his bat could profile in left field.
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #3 prospect in 2018
  A record-breaking high school running back in Georgia who was his classification's player of the year, Trammell's multi-sport background kept him from playing baseball year-round. After drafting him 35th overall in 2016, the Reds signed Trammell for a well above-slot $3.2 million to woo him from his college football commitment at Georgia Tech–he was a top student with a 4.0 grade-point average. At low Class A Dayton in 2017, he ranked among the Midwest League top 10 in on-base percentage and slugging percentage. A gifted athlete, Trammell showed improved plate discipline, even if that's the area of his game that needs the most work. He has a feel to hit that should help him be an above-average to plus hitter. His bat has untapped power that should come as his body fills out. There are evaluators who believe he'll carry 20 more pounds on his athletic frame when he fully matures. If he fills out as expected he could blossom into a 20-25 home run hitter. Trammell's plus-plus speed helps cover poor jumps in the field. He projects as an average defender in center field, but his below-average arm could limit him to left field, especially if he slows down as expected as he gains size and strength. His speed also helps him on the bases where he has shown good instincts. There's an expectation that Trammell will trade some of that speed for increased power over the next five years. Trammell turned 20 after the season and should start 2018 at high Class A Daytona. He has the potential to develop into a first-division corner outfielder, particularly if his power continues to grow.
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #5 prospect in 2017
  Even though Trammell was Georgia's high school football player of the year as a senior, he knew his long-term focus would be baseball. He carried a 4.0 grade-point average in high school, so teams had to take his Georgia Tech commitment seriously. The Reds had the highest bonus pool in the 2016 draft--nearly $14 million--and flexed that financial advantage to sign Trammell, a supplemental first-rounder taken 35th overall, for $3.2 million. Trammell handled an aggressive assignment to Rookie-level Billings with ease in his pro debut. He hit .303 and ranked third in the Pioneer League with 24 stolen bases. Trammell is a blazing runner who earns 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale and hits line drives with modest power. However, scouts won't be surprised to see him grow into a merely above-average runner with plus power as his upper body fills out to match his already developed lower half. Trammell plays center field now but scouts project him to left field based on his instincts and fringe-average arm. For a young hitter, his knowledge of the strike zone and hand-eye coordination are notable and could make him a plus hitter. Trammell impresses the Reds with his work ethic and he is a better-than-even bet to reach his ceiling as an impact left fielder. He will move to low Class A Dayton in 2017.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #13 prospect in 2016 draft
  Trammell made a name for himself on the showcase circuit with his blazing speed. He is a plus-plus runner in game action, with the ability to reach first base in less than 4.1 seconds after the ball comes off his bat. Trammell also shows upside with the bat; he has above-average bat speed and a sound understanding of the strike zone. Trammell made steady progress throughout the summer and fall, and has shown intriguing power this spring, with some rating it as an average tool. One of the biggest weaknesses in his game was his arm strength, and he worked hard in the offseason to improve it. What was once graded as a well below-average tool now earns 45 grades from some scouts, giving him enough arm strength for center field. Trammell is an exceptional athlete and the needle is pointing up on him. He is committed to Georgia Tech, but his strong spring performance could make him a day one pick.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Southern League #16 prospect in 2019
  Trammell stumbled in his first taste of Double-A but still drew acclaim from scouts for his athleticism, makeup and broad set of tools. He needs more experience to refine his hitting approach and possibly tweak his swing, a mission that the Padres are now undertaking after acquiring Trammell in July as part of the three-team deal that sent Trevor Bauer to the Reds and Franmil Reyes to the Indians. Trammell finished the season with Texas League-champion Amarillo, and his bat perked up in the playoffs with three home runs and a .998 OPS in 10 games. Trammell is adept at working counts and drawing walks, but the hit-first mentality he showed in the Southern League limited his impact. Scouts think Trammell can turn on inside fastballs for power but would benefit from loading his hands and getting his legs into his swing to develop greater power to all fields. Trammell is a plus runner who steals bases efficiently but is not a natural center fielder. He spent most of his time in the SL in left field because of his below-average arm.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Fall League #7 prospect in 2018
  Trammell might rival fellow outfielder Luis Robert when it comes to raw athleticism, garnering plenty of support from scouts for his ranking among the league’s top prospects. Coming out of the high Class A Florida State League in his third pro season, Trammell wasn’t overmatched by the more advanced pitchers in Arizona, as he posted a .298/.359/.393 slash line.

  While he didn’t hit any balls out of the park this fall, Trammell projects to possess an electric power-speed combo at the next level. He’s quick with the bat, although his swing needs to be a little shorter in order to stop pitches from getting too deep in the zone. Trammell primarily played in left field for the Scorpions, with scouts wishing he would have gotten some time in center field during his AFL stint. His plus-plus speed allows him to get to plenty of balls in the outfield, but a below-average arm will keep him out of right field.

• 
  Ranked Florida State League #5 prospect in 2018
  Trammell has advanced one level per year for his first three pro seasons. He spent this year with Daytona, where he showed a strong blend of current skills and future tools at the plate and in the field, with evaluators comparing him to a lighter version of Curtis Granderson. Trammell isn't a slam-dunk center fielder, but there's enough belief in his abilities there—which are amplified by plus makeup—that he likely will continue getting the majority of his reps at the position. If he does have to move over at some point, his bat will help him easily profile as a left fielder. Trammell will occasionally miss pitches due to some inconsistency in the way he loads his hands, but he has sneaky raw power that he should be able to tap into without sacrificing average. If he continues developing, Trammell has the upside of a classic power-speed player who can be a fixture near the top of an order.
• 
  Ranked Midwest League #6 prospect in 2017
  Trammell stood tallest among the league's toolsy outfielders because of his ability to translate those tools into results at age 19. The Georgia prep product ranked among the MWL's top 10 in RBIs, stolen bases, triples and on-base percentage. A former high school running back, Trammell showed tremendous aptitude as he honed his basestealing skills and learned to leverage his swing for more power. An average to above hitter, he could eventually develop above-average power as his frame matures. Trammell is a plus runner and athletic, and he almost always goes hard all the time. Defensively, he's average in center field with an average arm. Evaluators say he'll need to move to a corner eventually as he fills out and slows down, so improved power is key to his future.
• 
  Ranked Pioneer League #3 prospect in 2016
  The Reds used the 35th overall pick on Trammell and signed him for a well over-slot bonus of $3.2 million. They then challenged the unfinished Georgia product with an aggressive assignment to Billings rather than starting him in the Rookie-level Arizona League. For his age, Trammell has an advanced feel for hitting and good knowledge of the strike zone. He hasn't yet tapped into his raw power, with observers noting that he was looking more to make contact instead of driving the ball. More power should come when his big body fills out, particularly his arms and torso. He's a plus runner who consistently runs hard. Trammell is a good fielder who transfers the ball well, and with his speed and athleticism will do just fine in either left or center field. He strengthened his below-average arm during the season and began getting more carry on his throws.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #73 prospect in 2020
• Ranked Baseball America's #33 prospect in 2019
• Ranked Baseball America's #48 prospect in 2018

• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Running: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 40.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Trammell has been on the move frequently the last two seasons. The 2018 Futures Game MVP with the Reds, he was traded to the Padres at the 2019 trade deadline and sent to the Mariners at the 2020 deadline as part of the package for Austin Nola. He joined the Mariners at the alternate training site in Tacoma and finished the year in instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell has the ingredients to be an offensive asset, but he hasn’t put them all together. He has size, strength and bat speed and showed improved plate discipline at instructional league. His swing is a bit long, and there are timing issues that lead to holes pitchers can exploit. Trammell stands out for elite athleticism stemming from his background as an all-state running back in high school. He’s since filled out his lower half and is more of an above-average than plus runner. Trammell’s improved instincts and routes in the outfield stood out this summer and give him a chance to stay in center field. His arm is below-average but accurate.
  
  THE FUTURE: Trammell needs a full season at Triple-A, but his solid makeup and work ethic are positive signs that he will make the necessary adjustments.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Running: 55. Fielding: 50. Arm: 40.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Trammell has been on the move frequently the last two seasons. The 2018 Futures Game MVP with the Reds, he was traded to the Padres at the 2019 trade deadline and sent to the Mariners at the 2020 deadline as part of the package for Austin Nola. He joined the Mariners at the alternate training site in Tacoma and finished the year in instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell has the ingredients to be an offensive asset, but he hasn’t put them all together. He has size, strength and bat speed and showed improved plate discipline at instructional league. His swing is a bit long, and there are timing issues that lead to holes pitchers can exploit. Trammell stands out for elite athleticism stemming from his background as an all-state running back in high school. He’s since filled out his lower half and is more of an above-average than plus runner. Trammell’s improved instincts and routes in the outfield stood out this summer and give him a chance to stay in center field. His arm is below-average but accurate.
  
  THE FUTURE: Trammell needs a full season at Triple-A, but his solid makeup and work ethic are positive signs that he will make the necessary adjustments.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Padres eyed Trammell with their second-round pick in 2016, but the Reds beat them to it and grabbed him in the supplemental first round. After Trammell won MVP of the 2018 Futures Game and starred again at the 2019 edition, the Padres acquired him from Cincinnati in a threeteam trade that sent Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen to the Indians. Trammell scuffled after joining Double-A Amarillo, but he ended on a high note when he hit the go-ahead grand slam in the Texas League finals.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell won Georgia high school football player of the year as a senior and brings that athleticism to the diamond. He is a plus runner who makes game-changing plays on the bases and plays with a high motor. Trammell is a patient hitter adept at working counts, but his swing is often not on time. The Padres made adjustments to his load and posture and saw results in the Texas League playoffs, when he hit three home runs and posted a .998 OPS. Trammell isn’t a natural center fielder despite his speed, and his below-average arm makes him best suited for left field.
  
  THE FUTURE: Trammell’s athleticism and patience give him a strong foundation. How well he maintains his swing improvements will determine his future.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Padres eyed Trammell with their second-round pick in the 2016 draft, but the Reds beat them to it and grabbed him in the supplemental first round. After Trammell won MVP of the 2018 Futures Game and starred again at the 2019 edition, the Padres acquired him from Cincinnati in a three-team trade that sent Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen to the Indians. Trammell scuffled after joining Double-A Amarillo, but he ended on a high note when he hit the go-ahead grand slam in the ninth inning of the deciding game of the Texas League finals.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell won Georgia's high school football player of the year award as a senior and brings that athleticism to the diamond. He is a plus runner who makes game-changing plays on the bases and plays with a high motor. Trammell is a patient hitter adept at working counts, but his swing is often not on time. The Padres made adjustments to his load and posture and saw results in the Texas League playoffs, when he hit three home runs and posted a .998 OPS. Trammell isn't a natural center fielder despite his speed, and his below-average arm makes him best suited for left field.
  
  THE FUTURE: Trammell's athleticism and patience give him a strong foundation. How well he maintains his swing improvements will determine his future.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Trammell stumbled in his first taste of Double-A but still drew acclaim from scouts for his athleticism, makeup and broad set of tools. He needs more experience to refine his hitting approach and possibly tweak his swing, a mission that the Padres are now undertaking after acquiring Trammell in July as part of the three-team deal that sent Trevor Bauer to the Reds and Franmil Reyes to the Indians. Trammell finished the season with Texas League-champion Amarillo, and his bat perked up in the playoffs with three home runs and a .998 OPS in 10 games. Trammell is adept at working counts and drawing walks, but the hit-first mentality he showed in the Southern League limited his impact. Scouts think Trammell can turn on inside fastballs for power but would benefit from loading his hands and getting his legs into his swing to develop greater power to all fields. Trammell is a plus runner who steals bases efficiently but is not a natural center fielder. He spent most of his time in the SL in left field because of his below-average arm.
• August, 2018 Scouting Report
  Trammell might rival fellow outfielder Luis Robert when it comes to raw athleticism, garnering plenty of support from scouts for his ranking among the league’s top prospects. Coming out of the high Class A Florida State League in his third pro season, Trammell wasn’t overmatched by the more advanced pitchers in Arizona, as he posted a .298/.359/.393 slash line.

  While he didn’t hit any balls out of the park this fall, Trammell projects to possess an electric power-speed combo at the next level. He’s quick with the bat, although his swing needs to be a little shorter in order to stop pitches from getting too deep in the zone. Trammell primarily played in left field for the Scorpions, with scouts wishing he would have gotten some time in center field during his AFL stint. His plus-plus speed allows him to get to plenty of balls in the outfield, but a below-average arm will keep him out of right field.

• July, 2018 Scouting Report
  An uber-athletic but raw outfielder the Reds drafted 35th overall in 2016, Trammell has taken a major step forward in 2018. Trammell hit .297/.392/.431 with seven home runs and 19 stolen bases through 81 games in the offense-stifling Florida State League, all while playing above-average defense in centerfield, and he was named MVP of the Futures Game after going 2-for-2 with a triple and a home run. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound lefthanded hitter has shown an improved approach at the plate in his second full season of pro ball, improving his walk rate and lowering his strikeout while establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the game.
• December, 2017 Scouting Report
  Track Record: A record-breaking high school running back in Georgia, Trammell's multi-sport background kept him from playing baseball year-round. After drafting him 35th overall in 2016, the Reds signed Trammell for a well above-slot $3.2 million to woo him from his college football commitment at Georgia Tech. At low Class A Dayton, he ranked among the Midwest League top 10 in on-base percentage and slugging percentage,. Scouting Report: A gifted athlete, Trammell showed improved plate discipline. He has a feel to hit that should help him be an above-average hitter. His bat has untapped power that should come as his body fills out. Trammell's plus-plus speed helps cover poor jumps in the field. He projects as an average defender in center field, but his well below-average arm could limit him to left field. His speed also helps him on the bases where he has shown good instincts, although as he fills out he may trade some of that speed for increased power. The Future: Trammell turned 20 after the season and should start 2018 at high Class A Daytona. He has the potential to develop into a first-division corner outfielder, particularly if his power continues to grow.
• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: Even though Trammell was Georgia's high school football player of the year as a senior, he knew his long-term focus would be baseball. He carried a 4.0 grade-point average in high school and his parents are engineers, so teams had to take his Georgia Tech commitment seriously. The Reds had a higher bonus pool in the 2016 draft--nearly $14 million--than any club and flexed that financial advantage to sign Trammell for $3.2 million. Scouting Report: Trammell handled an aggressive assignment to Rookie-level Billings with ease in his pro debut. He hit .303 and ranked third in the Pioneer League with 24 stolen bases. Trammell is a blazing runner who earns 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale and hits line drives with modest power. But scouts won't be surprised to see him grow into a merely above-average runner with plus power as his upper body fills out to match his already developed lower half. Trammell plays center field now but scouts project him to wind up in left field based on his instincts and fringe-average arm. For a young hitter, his knowledge of the strike zone and hand-eye coordination are notable and could make him a plus hitter.
  
  The Future: Trammell impresses the Reds with his work ethic and he is a better-than-even bet to reach his ceiling as an impact left fielder. He moves to low Class A Dayton in 2017.