Brayden

Taylor

As is often the case with large batches of cuts this early in camp, there were no real surprises among the group. Curet, 22, was terrific between High-A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery in 2024, registering a 2.95 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 159/60 K/BB ratio over 119 innings in his 26 starts. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him start a couple of games for the Rays before the 2025 season concludes.

Taylor doubled twice while also driving in a run and scoring one himself. The 2023 first-round pick has impressed over the first five games of the year with a slash of .421/.560/.579 slash with three extra-base hits and five steals. Taylor doesn’t have a standout tool, but everything projects above-average for the 21-year-old. There are some questions about where he’ll play defensively, but even if he plays third base instead of shortstop, there’s fantasy upside in Taylor’s left-handed bat.

Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline adds that Taylor will receives a $3.88 million signing bonus, which represents the full-slot value for the 19th overall pick. The 21-year-old third baseman was considered a borderline top-10 pick coming into the draft after slugging 23 homers in his final collegiate season at Texas Christian.

Taylor launched 23 round-trippers this past season for the Horned Frogs and has been cited by The Athletic’s Keith Law as compiling some of the best batted-ball data in the draft. The 21-year-old third baseman isn’t exceptionally fast, but is still active on the bases, eclipsing 10-plus steals in each of his three collegiate seasons. He’s also displayed excellent plate discipline, drawing a ton of walks. He’s considered likely to stick at third base, but has the ability to move around the infield down the road. He doesn’t exactly have a stand-out tool, but projects as a do-it-all type in the majors, who could be carried by his advanced eye at the plate. Taylor was frequently mentioned as a potential top-10 pick prior to the season, so this is good value for the Rays.