Could a strong spring push this forgotten infielder onto the Padres’ roster?

When is it going to be Samad Taylor's turn? A prolific base-stealer, the 27-year-old just cannot seem to catch a break. Taylor has compiled 137 stolen bases in Triple-A within the last three seasons, including 44 last year with Triple-A Tacoma (Mariners). He also produced 51 extra-base hits, 73 walks, and a .296 batting average.

These are exceptional numbers, right? This is especially so for someone who can play any outfield position, as well as second and third base. Yet, he's appeared in 38 MLB games across three seasons. So what gives?

Signed to a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres this winter after getting DFA'd by Seattle, Taylor will look to embark on a new journey with a different franchise in perhaps one final hope of making a 25-man roster.

He's off to a strong start in his first two days of spring training. After a productive 2025 spring, we shouldn't be surprised that he has come to play.

Samad Taylor will look to make Padres' 25-man roster after years of being overlooked

Last spring with Seattle, Taylor muscled two doubles and a home run in 12 games, going 4-for-4 in stolen base attempts. Despite registering an .875 OPS, he was sent to the minor leagues. Harshly, he appeared in four total MLB games in 2025.

He hasn't let the unfairness keep him down, though. Now with the Padres, Taylor is off to a hot start at the plate. He's 3-for-his-first-4 with three runs scored, one double, and one stolen base.

Taylor also exhibited some applaudable situational hitting on Saturday, knocking in a run on a sacrifice fly despite getting jammed high and inside to help the Friars defeat the Kansas City Royals, 10-3.

Though Taylor is not currently in the hunt to nab San Diego's final spot on the bench to begin the 2026 season, that doesn't mean he can't zip through the competition and steal it from Bryce Johnson or Mason McCoy. He's off to a scathing start, one which the Padres cannot (or should not) ignore. Taylor has been way too good to be stuck in Triple-A for all these seasons.

He deserves a legitimate shot at staying on a 25-man roster. If he can't make it happen this year, we're not sure he will ever be given a proper chance.