Benjamin Alan Taylor (born November 12, 1992) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians.
Taylor attended Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School in Montgomery, Alabama, graduating in 2011. He attended Chattahoochee Valley Community College for two years, and the University of South Alabama for the final two years of his college baseball career. The Boston Red Sox selected Taylor in the seventh round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. He signed and made his professional debut with the Lowell Spinners of the LowâÂÂA, and after compiling a 1.80 ERA in ten relief innings, he was promoted to the Greenville Drive of the SingleâÂÂA South Atlantic League in July where he was 0âÂÂ2 with a 3.40 ERA in ten starts. In 2016, Taylor pitched for the Salem Red Sox of the HighâÂÂA Carolina League and the Portland Sea Dogs of the DoubleâÂÂA Eastern League, going a combined 1âÂÂ2 with a 2.96 ERA in 36 games (three starts).
Taylor was on the Red Sox' Opening Day 25-man roster for the 2017 season. He was optioned to the Pawtucket Red Sox of the TripleâÂÂA International League on April 13, and he spent the remainder of the season between Pawtucket and Boston. In 12 games for Pawtucket he posted a 2.70 ERA, and in 14 games for Boston, he was 0âÂÂ1 with a 5.19 ERA.
On May 17, 2017, Taylor recorded his first MLB save during a 5-4 extra inning win over the Cardinals.
Taylor was designated for assignment on February 18, 2018.
On February 25, 2018, Taylor was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians. He was designated for assignment on March 29, 2018. After clearing waivers, Taylor was outrighted to the Columbus Clippers on April 2, 2018.
The Indians purchased Taylor's contract and added him to their active roster on May 2, 2018.
The Indians designated Taylor for assignment on March 28, 2019, following the selection of Hanley RamirezâÂÂs contract. Taylor was released on April 2.
On April 11, 2019, Taylor signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. In 46 relief outings for the TripleâÂÂA Reno Aces, he posted a 5.63 ERA with 70 strikeouts and 4 saves across 56 innings of work. Taylor elected free agency following the season on November 4.
On December 14, 2019, Taylor signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs and was invited to major league Spring Training. Taylor was released by the Cubs organization on May 28, 2020.
On February 19, 2021, Taylor signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers organization. On March 30, Taylor was released by the Tigers after suffering a seasonâÂÂending Achilles tendon rupture.
In July 2023, Taylor joined the Boston Red Sox organization as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.