Carson Taylor drafted by the Dodgers 130th overall

Photo: Virginia Tech Athletics

Carson Taylor became the second Virginia Tech player to be drafted on Thursday night when the Los Angeles Dodgers took him 130th overall. Taylor joins pitcher Ian Seymour in getting drafted this week.

Taylor only spent two seasons in Blacksburg, but he made a lasting impact on the Hokies. His fielding percentage of 1.000 during the 2020 season is tied for the highest of all-time, while his career fielding percentage of .998 is also the highest for a Virginia Tech player. 

He hit .431 with two home runs and 19 RBIs in the shortened 2020 season, a drastic increase from his .290 batting average during the 2019 season. 

Taylor was ranked 194th in MLB's Top 200 Draft Prospects list for 2020. His bio from the list says he "has considerable bat speed from both sides of the plate. He’s shown a good feel for the strike zone and has walked more than he’s struck out in his college career. While there’s a lot of raw power to tap into, Taylor gets pull-happy and out front on his swing too often to get to it consistently. He can make hard contact, but pitches on the outer third of the plate gave him trouble."

He is also noted for his above average arm behind the plate, although his receiving skills have been rated as below average. 

This marks the first time in program history that two players have been drafted in the fourth round in the same draft. Taylor is now the 12th-highest pick in Virginia Tech history. 

Taylor will join the Dodgers, who have the third best farm system in MLB.