WASHINGTON -- Michael A. Taylor announced his retirement prior to the 2025 series finale at Nationals Park on Sunday afternoon, with the White Sox outfielder ending his career where it began in 2014.
Taylor, 34, said he prayed on the decision and talked quite a bit about it with his wife, Brianna, before making the call a few months ago.
“We agree that it's best to maybe spend a little bit more time at home with the family, and I'm excited about that,” Taylor said prior to Sunday’s finale. “And I think to be able to play my last games of my career here in this ballpark in front of these fans is just the icing on the cake."
“He was amazing,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “He just was the quiet, quiet leader, but made a big impact on the entire group more than anybody. He made me better. He made the players better. He elevated everything that we did from the way we communicated, our meetings. He was the one that really took charge in helping us define our non-negotiables and helped hold guys accountable. He really developed the fabric of our culture here.”
Taylor went 1-for-3 with an RBI and one walk, receiving ovations during his first at-bat and when he exited on defense in the ninth inning of Sunday's 8-0 win over the Nationals. White Sox starter Shane Smith allowed one hit over six innings, carrying a perfect game for 5 1/3 innings, while closing his rookie season in style.
Miguel Vargas, Brooks Baldwin and Dominic Fletcher homered as the White Sox finished the season at 60-102. Smith logged eight strikeouts over 73 pitches and ended his All-Star campaign with a 3.81 ERA, while leading the team with 146 1/3 innings and 145 strikeouts.
During a recent one-on-one with MLB.com, Venable was asked to pick his favorite moment of the season and went with the White Sox three-run ninth-inning rally on Sept. 3 at Target Field, leading to a 4-3 victory over the Twins as part of a four-game sweep. That rally was punctuated by a two-out, two-run double from Taylor, which is why Venable picked the moment.
“That was because he’s such a special guy, he’s so meaningful to our group,” Venable said. “And there wasn’t another play that happened which our entire group was so excited for an individual, which was really cool to see.”
“It was a special moment for me, not only winning the game, but just being received by the team like that. This group has been a really good group,” Taylor said. “I don't want to get emotional, but with it being my last year, I think I couldn't have asked for a better group. It's a younger group, but these guys are really just good baseball players, and even better guys. And I've enjoyed every second of it."
In parts of 12 seasons, Taylor has belted 109 home runs, logged 128 stolen bases, played solid outfield defense and become a true clubhouse leader, even if he wasn’t always a featured player. Taylor would like to stay in the game, but with his first focus being family, his playing decision is final.
“When my daughter was asking me to be home, asking why I had to leave and things like that, that was -- I love the game, but my family is my priority,” said Taylor, who has two young children. “There are ways I can stay in the game and still be there for my family.
“Playing 162 [games], it’s tough to do that. If there’s another way for me to stay in the game and be around, I’d like to do that.”
After receiving loud ovations from the Nationals’ crowd during the first two games, Taylor started in center field on Sunday. Winning the World Series in 2019 with the Nats, where Taylor homered in his lone Fall Classic at-bat, stands as his greatest moment.
“It’s been different. I want to take it in, but I’m still trying to stay focused on the game,” Taylor said of his final game. “I have a lot of family here, a lot of friends here. So that’s special for me. And I’m sure once the games start, it will feel different. But I’m trying to keep things as normal as possible and just enjoy the day.”
"Michael A. is special," Smith said. "I think to be able to do it this long, he’s the epitome of showing up every day. He’s the same guy whether he does well or bad. That’s a lot for us to learn from. This game beats you up and uplifts, and he stays right in the middle. I’m glad he got his flowers and sad to see him go. But really glad I got to know him."