The Royals brought in Michael A. Taylor in 2021 and made him a starter despite him sliding into a reserve role in Washington at that point in his career. It was a low-cost option, and the Royals liked what he could do defensively as they were trying to develop a pitching staff and could use a ballhawk in the outfield.
On that front, Taylor has been worth every penny. He led all outfielders in Ultimate Zone Rating and tied Adam Duvall for the lead in Defensive Runs Saved last year. That defensive prowess earned him his first Gold Glove award at age 30.