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Padres reportedly targeting Gold Glove outfielder after passing on Harrison Bader

It looks like the Padres are at least looking sprucing up their outfield during the final stretch of this offseason.

ByEric Cole|
Sep 22, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Michael A. Taylor (2)
Sep 22, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Michael A. Taylor (2) | Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

After the early portion of the offseason was more notable for trading away Juan Soto and letting multiple big free agents walk, the San Diego Padres were in a pretty rough spot. Everyone is well aware that the Padres had to cut some payroll after a disappointing 2023 season and the death of owner Peter Seidler, but the sheer scale of the changes that have happened is still staggering.

The good news for Padres fans is that the team has been starting to add some players finally. Recently, the Padres' bullpen has gotten a big boost after the signing of both Yuki Matsui and Woo Suk Go. While neither player probably comes close to the production of Josh Hader who is now a free agent, their additions should help soften the blow from his loss and put the relief corps in a decent position going into next season.

Moreover, the Padres don't appear to be done reshaping their roster. According to a report from FanSided's own Robert Murray, San Diego appears to be rather interested in free agent outfielder Michael A. Taylor.

Padres among several teams targeting free agent Michael A. Taylor

Taylor is a a bit of a weird player as his bat never really developed the way many thought it would when he was a top prospect, but he still can run and is a really strong defensive centerfielder. Given the dimensions of Petco Park, having a guy in center that takes great routes and can cover a lot of ground especially with how well Fernando Tatis Jr.'s played over in right field last season has a ton of value for a team like the Padres.

San Diego is not alone in pursuing Taylor, however, as the same report had the Angels and Pirates as rumored suitors as well. The Angels have a lot of work to do to get their roster in shape after the departure of Shohei Ohtani as well as the underperformance of some key prospects such as Jo Adell and the Pirates just need guys that can produce that also won't cost much.

While the first part of the Padres' offseason has been less than ideal, this is a reminder that there is still a lot of offseason left and San Diego doesn't seem to be wanting to go quite as quietly as many may have thought a few weeks ago.

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