Tyrone Taylor,known for his stellar defensive metrics in centre field,has recently seen a significant upswing in his offensive performance. While defense might be his initial calling card, hitting remains Taylor’s true passion. A pivotal moment in this conversion occurred a month ago, thanks to an impromptu hitting lesson in Francisco Lindor’s hotel room.

The Turnaround

• hitting Stats: taylor is batting.296 this month, showcasing a marked improvement.
• Power Numbers: He has tallied four doubles and a triple, adding much-needed extra-base hits.
• Early Season Struggles: This surge follows a dip in late April when his average plummeted to .169.
• The Catalyst: Seeking guidance, Taylor connected with Lindor in Washington, D.C.

The Hotel Hitting Clinic

Taylor elaborated on the impact of his session with Lindor: Recently, what’s worked for me is fixing my gather. And actually, it was a night with Lindor in his hotel room that helped me out a lot. The “gather,” as Taylor describes,is the crucial moment when a hitter collects their weight on the back foot,setting the stage for a balanced and well-timed swing.

Before a game at Nationals Park, Taylor sought Lindor’s expertise. Lindor, mindful of not overloading Taylor with technicalities pre-game, proposed an evening session in his hotel room. Equipped with bats and gloves, they meticulously worked on Taylor’s gather through dry swings.

I just gave him a few things that worked for me, and I feel like it worked for him and he can run with it. But it’s him. He’s the one putting in the work.
Francisco Lindor

Mental Game and Mechanics

Lindor’s approach proved effective in freeing Taylor’s mind from overthinking during games.

I think earlier [this season], I was up there trying to be free, not thinking about mechanics at the time or anything, but I think it was sneaking in my mind subconsciously. and right now, I feel pretty solid. Taylor explained.

Lindor’s Philosophy

Lindor, a respected team leader, tailors his mentorship to each player’s needs.He understands that some prefer to disconnect from baseball off the field, while others immerse themselves in film and data.

Lindor himself falls into the latter category,frequently enough watching late-night games and highlights. His dedication extends to his own swing, which he refines every night.

You’ve to be careful how you maneuver your way though. People come with game plans, and you don’t want to deviate them from their game plan, so it’s better to talk at night. You can think overnight, and then you go to bed, wake up and you feel like it, you go do it.
Francisco Lindor

Immediate Impact

Upon returning from Washington, Taylor’s improved gather translated into immediate results. He went 5-for-8 in the first two games of a homestand, including a double and a home run.Maintaining his routine and pregame process has been crucial for his mental approach at the plate.

His approach is now streamlined: focus on swinging at pitches up in the zone.

I’m trying to expect nothing, and be free. Just have rhythm and timing with the heater only,and then see it and hit it.So I’m trying to see it as well as I can. Taylor said.

Statistical Backing

• Fastball Success: Taylor is hitting .315 on fastballs.
• Breaking Ball Improvement: His expected average on breaking balls is .283,a career high.
• Career Comparison: Previously, he never hit above .241 on breaking pitches.

Manager’s Outlook

Carlos Mendoza,the team’s manager,has noticed the positive changes in Taylor’s approach.

He’s been aggressive, not missing pitches short to the ball, using the whole field ready for fastball and not chasing as much. I just feel like he’s athletic on the ball, in the box, and he’s having good at-bats and getting results.
Carlos Mendoza

Bottom of the Order Production

With the Mets’ top hitters facing challenges, the bottom of the lineup has become increasingly vital.Players like Taylor,Brett Baty,Jeff mcneil,and Luis Torrens have stepped up,extending at-bats and pressuring opposing bullpens.

And for those wondering, the hitting session was conducted without any damage to hotel property. Nothing was destroyed. But if we were in my room, it would have been a different story. Taylor joked.