Twins Bring Back a Familiar Face: Michael A. Taylor Hired as Outfield Instructor

The Minnesota Twins’ new era under manager Derek Shelton is already taking shape — and it’s doing so by leaning into familiarity, trust, and organizational continuity.

Shelton has made it clear that he values voices who understand Twins baseball. After welcoming former Twin LaTory Hawkins back to the coaching staff, Minnesota has now added another respected figure from its recent past.

Former Twins outfielder Michael A. Taylor has officially joined the organization as its new outfield instructor, marking the next chapter in his baseball journey after a 12-year MLB career.

It’s a move that makes plenty of sense — and one that should pay dividends quickly.

Michael A. Taylor’s Defensive Pedigree Speaks for Itself

Taylor built his Major League reputation on elite defense, consistency, and professionalism. A Gold Glove winner in 2021 with the Kansas City Royals, he was widely regarded as one of the best defensive outfielders of his generation.

Over the course of his career, Taylor finished just shy of 100 Defensive Runs Saved, placing him among the top defenders of his era. Even late into his playing days, the tools never faded.

In his final MLB season with the Chicago White Sox, Taylor ranked:

• 83rd percentile in range

• 72nd percentile in arm strength

That defensive excellence — paired with his experience across multiple organizations — makes him an ideal instructor for a young, athletic Twins outfield.

A Strong Final Act in Minnesota

Twins fans will remember Taylor fondly from his lone season in Minnesota in 2023, which also happened to be one of the most productive offensive years of his career.

That season, Taylor posted:

• 21 home runs (career high)

• 51 RBIs

• 13 stolen bases

Across 12 MLB seasons, Taylor retired with:

• 12.8 bWAR

• 109 home runs

• 128 stolen bases

At 34 years old, Taylor stepped away from playing with his reputation intact — respected league-wide as a defense-first veteran who maximized his skill set.

Now, he returns to Minnesota in a role that fits him perfectly.

A Valuable Resource for Byron Buxton and Beyond

Perhaps the most intriguing part of Taylor’s new role is his opportunity to work closely with Byron Buxton, one of baseball’s premier defensive center fielders.

Buxton already possesses elite instincts, speed, and arm strength. With Taylor’s guidance, there’s a real chance he could refine the subtler aspects of outfield play — positioning, routes, anticipation — to become even more complete defensively.

Beyond Buxton, Taylor’s impact could be felt across the entire outfield group:

• Austin Martin stands to benefit from Taylor’s experience in reading contact and improving range

• James Outman and Matt Wallner both boast strong arms but still have room to grow in consistency and efficiency

• Younger outfielders can learn from Taylor’s approach, preparation, and situational awareness

Few instructors can teach range and instincts the way Taylor can — because few ever played the position at his level.

Twins Continue to Build Momentum Under Derek Shelton

This hire is another signal that the Twins are methodically building toward a bounce-back 2026 season.

With Spring Training less than a month away, Minnesota’s front office continues to show steady progress — both on the coaching side and with potential roster decisions still ahead.

Taylor’s return also says something important: players want to be part of what’s happening in Minnesota. Having played for multiple organizations, Taylor choosing to come back to the Twins suggests strong internal culture and confidence in the new direction.

A Fun, Smart Addition for Minnesota

Michael A. Taylor’s hire won’t dominate headlines — but it could quietly become one of the most impactful moves of the offseason.

He brings:

• Elite defensive knowledge

• Credibility with players

• Firsthand understanding of modern MLB outfields

• Familiarity with the Twins organization

Sometimes, the best additions aren’t stars — they’re teachers.

Welcome back to Minnesota, Michael A. Taylor. If the Twins’ outfield takes a step forward in 2026, don’t be surprised if his influence is a big reason why.

This one just feels right. Let’s keep the momentum going.