The Seattle Mariners quietly lost a notably fast depth option this offseason, as Samad Taylor has landed with the San Diego Padres following a series of roster moves that pushed him out of the organization. While speed is often a valued commodity, the Mariners ultimately decided it was not a priority in this instance.
Taylor’s departure traces back to Seattle’s acquisition of right-handed pitcher Yosver Zulueta from the Cincinnati Reds. That move triggered a roster shuffle which led to Taylor being designated for assignment on January 15 in order to create space on the Mariners’ 40-man roster. After clearing waivers on January 23, Taylor elected free agency rather than remain in the organization. Not long after, he found a new opportunity, signing a minor league contract with the Padres that includes an invitation to big league spring training, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Interestingly, Taylor will report to the Peoria Sports Complex, which is shared by both the Padres and Mariners during spring training. That arrangement could create some awkward run-ins with members of Seattle’s front office and former teammates, though it appears unlikely the Mariners will feel the sting of his departure heading into the 2026 season.
Still searching for stability, Taylor is now with his fifth professional organization since being selected by Cleveland in the 10th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. His career path has included stops with the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, and most recently Seattle, where he arrived in a trade before the 2024 campaign. Despite his experience, consistent major league opportunities have been limited. Taylor has appeared in just 38 total MLB games between Kansas City and Seattle, including only seven appearances with the Mariners across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. During that stretch in Seattle, he posted a .231 batting average and a .462 OPS.
That said, Taylor does possess several tools that continue to make him an intriguing depth option. His elite speed stands out most, as evidenced by 94 stolen bases across two seasons with Triple-A Tacoma. That athleticism also allows him to provide defensive flexibility. Over the years, Taylor has logged time at shortstop, second base, third base, and both corner outfield spots, giving him versatility few depth players can match.
The biggest question surrounding the 27-year-old, however, remains his offensive consistency. While he showed progress in 2025 with the Rainiers—hitting .296 with an .839 OPS over 137 games—there are lingering doubts about whether that production can translate against major league pitching. Bat speed and occasional power flashes are present, but sustained results at the highest level have yet to materialize.
From Seattle’s perspective, the decision was largely pragmatic. Taylor was out of minor league options, and the Mariners had strengthened their organizational depth during the offseason. Additionally, he faced increased competition for playing time from higher-priority prospects moving forward.
As Taylor begins the next chapter of his career with San Diego, most Mariners fans will likely wish him well. With a fresh start and familiar surroundings in Peoria, he’ll have another opportunity to carve out a long-term role—and perhaps a little extra motivation—while chasing his big league breakthrough.
Leave a Reply