Nate Taylor had a different MLB draft experience than those who had their name called in the 20-round event to join the professional ranks of the worldwide beloved sport.
Taylor, the heralded Buford alumnus and University of Georgia pledge, talked to a handful of teams and coordinated with his agent Han Lee of Global Sporting Integration (GSI). Taylor had a low signability, meaning that his asking price for signing was above his slot value.
Taylor was ranked around the No. 380 prospect, according to multiple draft experts, and could’ve been selected between the 15th and 20th rounds.
Nonetheless, Taylor had his eyes set on playing for head coach Wes Johnson and the Bulldogs. Taylor must play at least three years for Georgia in order to become draft eligible again.
“Mostly everything came through my advisor,” Taylor said.
With Buford, Taylor shined as a two-way star. He posted a 9-2 record on the mound to go along with a 1.95 earned run average (ERA) and a .203 batting average against. One of his best performances came in the playoff series against Brookwood.
In the opening game against the Broncos, Taylor threw six scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out 13 batters.
“He’s mentally strong,” Buford head coach Stuart Chester said. “It’s a testament to his process. The results speak for themselves.”
Taylor joins a Georgia program that advanced to the NCAA super regionals for the first time since 2008 and came within one game of the College World Series — eventually falling to NC State in the final game of the series.
The Bulldogs are in need of pitching help and added a slew of names in the transfer portal, but also added talents in Taylor and others on the recruiting trail.
“I’m excited to work with coach Johnson and the amazing staff,” Taylor said.
The recent draft had a different feel, but a wanted result for Taylor. He’s taking three years to develop at the next level. In a matter of years, Taylor hopes to hear his name called in earlier rounds where the financial aspect meets his requirements.
But for now, none of that is his focus.
“I’m looking forward to working each day and trying to earn a spot,” Taylor said.
