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2023 Player Outlook

With Gilberto Celestino, a solid defender but a weak hitter, not performing up to standards as Byron Buxton’s backup in 2022, the Twins went out and acquired veteran Michael A. Taylor from the Royals. The Twins were looking for a solid defensive outfielder with a little pop to plug in when the All-Star centerfielder needs a day off or if he ends up on the shelf again. Taylor has a better glove than Celestino and is a slightly better hitter. The 31-year-old Taylor batted .254 with 9 HR/43 RBIs in 414 at-bats last season for the Royals, his second year with the club after spending his first seven major league seasons with the Washington Nationals. Taylor was a Gold Glove winner in his Royals debut in 2021 and gives the Twins a third outfielder on their roster who has won the award, joining Buxton (2017) and Joey Gallo (2021 and 2021).