Coulter, Taylor Added to Birds Roster
The Sioux Falls Canaries’ lineup just got some more juice.
The Birds have signed outfielder Clint Coulter as a free agent for the 2019 season. They’ve also acquired outfielder and first baseman Kevin Taylor in a trade with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League.
“I think these guys are a really great combination,” Canaries manager Mike Meyer said. “I think they can put some scare in the middle of our lineup.”
COULTER’S A CANARY
Coulter, 25, has an impressive pedigree, picked 27th overall out of high school in the 2012 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Originally drafted as a catcher, he’s primarily played the outfield since 2015.
“Clint has a chance to be really special in the middle of our lineup,” Meyer said, adding he expects the young player to excel defensively in right field.
Coulter was a top prospect in the Brewers’ system, playing in the prestigious Arizona Fall League in 2014. He spent the better part of the last three seasons at Double-A Biloxi before getting called up to Triple-A Colorado Springs late last season.
In three seasons at the Double-A level, the Washington State native sports a .255/.327/.432 slash line with 27 homers in 222 games.
“ONE OF THE BEST I’VE SEEN”
Taylor, acquired from Sugar Land for future considerations, spent the past three seasons in the New York Mets organization. A late-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011, the 27-year-old hit .263/.313/.332 at Double-A Binghamton last year.
2019 will be Taylor’s second season in the American Association after spending 2015 with the now-defunct Laredo Lemurs. With Meyer as his hitting coach, the Western Nevada College grad put up the best numbers of his pro career. Coulter hit .327/.435/.497 with 11 home runs, 24 doubles and 54 RBI in 98 games with Laredo that season. His on-base percentage ranked third in the league.
“Kevin is one of the most pure hitters I’ve ever seen — not just at this level, but at any level,” Meyer said. “He’s a really good dude; great clubhouse guy, and we’re excited to have him.”
The Sioux Falls Canaries open their 2019 season May 16 on the road. Their home opener is scheduled for May 31, a Fireworks Night game against the Winnipeg Goldeyes at 7:05pm. For more information on season tickets, suites, group outings, and corporate opportunities, call the Canaries Front Office at (605) 336-6060, or visit the Canaries official website at www.sfcanaries.com.
Featured Image by Helene Haessler/St. Lucie Mets