coming off what he described as a "pretty disappointing" 2016 season, taylor found himself in the familiar role of backup outfielder for the nationals in the 2017 season, with adam eaton taking over in center field and trea turner shifting to the shortstop position. however, for the third straight season, taylor found himself in the role of everyday center fielder after the presumptive starter was injured early in the year, with eaton tearing ligaments in his knee while running the bases in late april. given regular playing time, taylor resurrected a batting average that had hovered below .200 in limited appearances prior to eaton's season-ending injury, hitting .290 in may and june while demonstrating above-average power.