MiLB

Samad Taylor signed with the San Diego Padres this week to provide some depth at the higher minor league level. Could the former top prospect contribute to the Padres in 2026?

The San Diego Padres need to fill out the roster.

There is star power up and down the clubhouse, but there is still a need for depth. Honestly, the bottom half of the roster is shaky. It will take multiple players breaking out in the minors or low-priced veterans for the complete 26-man team to be complete and for the Padres to succeed.

The Padres are bringing in multiple players on minor league deals with hopes that they establish themselves in the spring. Blake Hunt, Triston McKenzie, Jose Miranda, and Omar Cruz will all compete this spring for a job with the Padres come Opening Day.

Adding to this list, the Padres signed right-handed hitter Samad Taylor, who was once a top 30 prospect in the Blue Jays system. It is a minor league deal with an invite to Peoria. Taylor was DFA’d by the Mariners last week and elected free agency.

The 27-year-old Taylor can play all over the diamond. He has played every position except first base, catcher, and pitcher.

Second base is the position he is most familiar with, and given his abilities with the bat, it suits his profile. The speedy Taylor also plays all three outfield spots, though he is best suited as a left-fielder given his arm strength. His ability to provide speed off the bench and flexibility on the diamond is valuable.

Can he hit enough to play?

Last season, Taylor spent 137 games in Tacoma and put up a .296/.378/.461 batting line in 558 at-bats. He slugged 17 homers and stole 44 bases in the PCL, resulting in an .839 OPS. It was an excellent year for the right-handed speedster. But that was in the PCL.

Taylor is from Corona, California, and owns a career .782 OPS in nine minor league seasons and a little over 3,000 at-bats. He has played in 38 games at the major league level, recording a .205 batting average and striking out in 24 of 73 at-bats. Striking out has been an issue for Taylor throughout his career, but he has managed to walk at a decent clip, keeping his value up.

For the Padres, Taylor provides excellent depth in El Paso with an outside chance at a major league job. He will produce offensively in the PCL, so it may just be a matter of time before we see Taylor in the Gold and Brown uniform. It is important to note that he will be out of minor league options, so if the Padres bring him onto the 40-man, he cannot be sent back down to the minors.

Here is a look at Taylor in action.

He brings speed to the table. Taylor recorded 17 sacrifice bunts last year. The Padres like to play small ball, so that is a bonus for San Diego.

He brings power. Taylor has 84 career home runs in the minors and, despite a small frame, can drive the ball into the gaps.

That home run was against the Padres last spring.

There is some ability here. Taylor has failed to put it all together at the major league level, but that really comes down to opportunity. He simply has not been given the chance.

For San Diego, there is a chance to play.

Can he take advantage of the opportunity and establish himself in the league?

Only time will tell.

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.

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