Carson
Taylor

2020 DRAFT: Taylor put up big numbers as a draft-eligible sophomore in the shortened 2020 season, hitting .431/.541/.690 with seven doubles, one triple and two homers in 58 at-bats, along with 20 RBIs. He impressed with his ability to hit for average and rack up doubles, but he really impressed with his control of the strike zone (12 walks against five strikeouts). And he did it against solid competition. Taylor was good as a freshman too, but he missed some time late in late spring/early summer with a broken hamate bone, then struggled in the Cape Cod League. That experience was good for him, and he came back to campus in the fall with a better plan at the plate. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Taylor is a thick, physical switch-hitter who has yet to fully harness his intriguing power potential, but he stands out for his natural hitting instincts and ability to drive the ball to all fields. He's made big progress defensively over the last year, gradually improving his arm strength (which is now playable) and polishing his receiving and blocking skills. His bat remains his calling card, but he shows enough promise behind the plate to project to stick at the position in pro ball.

7/20/2018: Incoming freshman third baseman Carson Taylor figures to be an impact newcomer for Virginia Tech. A strong-bodied 6-foot-1, 190-pound switch-hitter, Taylor showed the ability to use both sides of the field and has good strength to the gaps. He has more than held his own as one of the younger players in the Ripken League, hitting .331 with 11 doubles and three home runs in 142 at-bats. The Duluth, Ga., native also controls the zone well, with 16 walks against just 12 strikeouts. He showed sound fundamentals at the hot corner, where he looks like a natural defender, though he’s also listed as a catcher, which could give him additional value. (Aaron Fit)