The sophomore outfielder and 2023 B1G Freshman of the Year gets preseason honors from Perfect Game
By Carl James @jovian34 January 6th, 2024 – photo of Devin Taylor at first base by Zach Greene
Indiana outfielder Devin Taylor was recognized twice this past week by Perfect Game. The first recognition came Wednesday when Taylor was placed 8th on the 2025 MLB Draft board, 5th among college players. Indiana has not had an alum as a first round draft pick since Kyle Schwarber (1st round, 4th pick 2014), and while very far out, this shows that Devin Taylor has the potential for a high draft pick and bonus come next summer.
Then on Thursday Taylor was placed on Perfect Games 2024 pre-season All-American second team. That puts Taylor among the top-6 outfielders in the country heading into the 2024 season.
Taylor had big expectations when he arrived on campus in the summer of 2022 and immediately set himself apart as one of IU’s top hitters in fall scrimmages. Indiana’s 2023 team had a lot of experienced outfielders so Taylor didn’t work himself into a regular spot in the starting lineup until mid-March, a month into the season. He made an immediate impact. After hitting a double against Kentucky and two homers against Morehead State, Taylor reflected, “I’m still going to be hitting early with coach Weatherford, coach Mercer, everybody,” stressing that success doesn’t lighten the work he puts in day to day.
Taylor had plenty of accolades in his freshman year. Taylor was the Big Ten (B1G) Freshman of the Year. He led the Hoosiers in OPS at 1.080, walks at 36, and home runs at 16. 24.6% of Taylor’s fly balls left the yard for home runs in 2023. He earned B1G Freshman of the Week honors three times. Taylor was also placed on the B1G’s first team all conference in 2023.
Taylor immediately followed that up with a Rookie of the Year performance in the NECBL summer league for the Keene Swampbats. Taylor hit .314 with 8 home runs, was a league All-star, and made the championship round of the league’s home run derby.