Former UBC Thunderbirds pitcher Curtis Taylor
signed a minor league contract with the St Louis Cardinals on Sunday, joining his seventh organization in his nine-year career. The six-foot-six right-hander pitched in Mexico last season.
Originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 2016 MLB Draft (fourth round), Taylor is no stranger to how a player can change teams in professional baseball.
The 29-year-old has been traded twice, first to the Rays in 2017 in a one-for-one deal for big leaguer Brad Boxberger, and then again to the Blue Jays two years later. He then changed organizations when Washington acquired him in the minor league portion of the 2021 Rule 5 Draft. His best season came in the Nationals organization in 2022, spinning a 3.91 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 10.1 K/9 across 34 outings split between double and triple-A.
Taylor signed a minor league deal with the Cubs to open up the 2023 season, only to be released and join the Twins organization in May, where he finished out the season. Taylor saw almost all his action in double-A, posting solid numbers (3.98 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 9.6 K/9) but failing to get back up to the triple-A level.
After electing free agency after the 2023 season, the big right-hander opted to play in the Mexican Summer League in 2024. He struggled mightily through 14 appearances, owning a 7.53 ERA and 1.61 WHIP. However, his performance in the Mexican Winter League over the last couple of months may have turned some heads. Primarily a reliever in affiliated ball, he had the chance to start games for Hermosillo, which seemed to lead to better command and an enhanced arsenal on the mound. He held a 4.62 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, but, his 4.40 K/BB was higher than in any stint he’s had in affiliated ball.
The Port Coquitlam native had the opportunity to play for Team Canada at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, firing 3 1/3 innings scoreless innings and striking out three. He figures to be in the mix for a bullpen spot when the 2026 tournament comes around.
Given his age, Taylor’s opportunities to make it up to the major leagues may be dwindling. It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals decide to try him out as a starter or opt for a relief role. Either way, he seems destined to start the year in triple-A. If all goes well, he may just get a chance to pitch in the big leagues at some point this summer.
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