Chicago Cubs finding a replacement for Happ or Suzuki?

When the Chicago Cubs made their trade deadline moves, the focus was understandably on pitching. To bolster an injury-hobbled pitching staff, the team acquired Kevin Gausman, Ryan Zeferjahn, Braxton Garrett, and Clay Holmes before the end of the deadline.

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Under the radar a bit was the Cubs’ other deadline acquisition, though—Tyrone Taylor.

The 32-year-old Taylor came over from the New York Mets in the Clay Holmes deal for highly-rated Cubs prospect Jefferson Rojas. At the time, Taylor was viewed as a depth acquisition and fourth outfielder-type who could play all three outfield positions and spell some of the regulars from time to time during the dog days of summer. He was also viewed as a right-handed bat off the bench to take at bats against tough lefties.

He’s turned into a whole lot more.

Tyrone Taylor’s surprising breakout

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According to analyst Carson Wolf, since June 28 (among players with 100+ plate appearances), Taylor is ranked no. 1 in batting average (.381), On Base Percentage (.445), Slugging (.711), wOBA (.488), and wRC+ (215). Since joining the Cubs, he’s slashing .404/.448/.558 over 21 games.

His turnaround this season has been remarkable, going from a solid, near-league average hitter with added value against lefties, to what he’s become now.

Wolf further explored Taylor’s sudden development in a piece for Just Baseball:

“His barrel rate has jumped from 6.1% to 12.5%, a mark that ranks in the top 11% of hitters this season. This has allowed him to slug at a rate that he had not seen before in his career.

His plate discipline and contact rates have also shifted in his favor. He has begun swinging the bat less overall, as well as chasing and whiffing less. This has led to a decrease in strikeouts and a significant increase in walks.

The improvement across the board has been incredible, and the process supports an increase in productivity.”

A suitable Happ/Suzuki replacement?

The rise to prominence creates an interesting situation for Chicago as they stare down the possibility of losing both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki to free agency this offseason. Taylor, who is also eligible for free agency at the end of the season, has to be considered an option when it comes to replacing either of the team’s current corner outfielders.

Currently making $3.8 million, Taylor would surely get a significant raise no matter where he signs. He’ll still, however, demand much less than the $20+ million Happ and Suzuki will demand over the course of what would also likely be a longer contract.

Manager Craig Counsell knows Taylor well from his days in Milwaukee and also, apparently, played a role in scouting him as a young athlete. The Cubs skipper helped guide the team into acquiring Taylor this season as well.

Could Chicago opt to let at least one of their current corner outfielders go in favor of a temporary Taylor stopgap until young outfield prospects Josiah Hartshorn, Ethan Conrad, and/or Kane Kepley can make their way to the big leagues?

It’s certainly possible, given the outfield prospect capital the team has in the farm system and certain budget-related issues.

Taylor is due for some regression. Pretty much everyone acknowledges that. But his floor is high enough as a multi-tool player to make an every day gig with the team something worthy of consideration.

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