taylor was signed out of westminster academy as a shortstop in the 2009 major league baseball draft, after the washington nationals selected him with their sixth-round pick. he forwent a commitment to the university of north florida to go professional with the nationals. taylor did not make his minor league debut in the 2009 season but served as a versatile infielder for the gulf coast league nationals in 2010, committing 21 errors across three positions: shortstop, second baseman, and third baseman. he appeared in 38 games and batted .195 with one home run.