SEATTLE, Wash. – Polk State College and the Major League Baseball Draft continue to be no stranger to one another.

On Tuesday, Nelson Taylor became the second former Polk State player selected in three years and 12th since Head Coach Al Corbeil took over in 2011. Taylor was chosen by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round with the No. 328 overall pick of the 2023 Draft.

After a relatively quiet freshman year, Taylor enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Eagles in 2023. Taylor was named a first-team All-Suncoast Conference selection, Suncoast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, a second-team All-FCSAA selection, and an FCSAA and Rawlings Gold Glove recipient for his play in centerfield.

In addition to posting a perfect fielding percentage, Taylor also led the Eagles in most offensive categories, including batting average (.353), doubles (19), home runs (6), RBIs (48), slugging percentage (.620), and on-base percentage (.467). His 31 stolen bases were the most in the state of Florida.

Taylor becomes the first player selected directly from Polk State since pitcher Thomas Ireland went to the Texas Rangers in the 13th round in 2021. A Florida State University signee, Taylor will have a decision to make on whether to turn pro. After spending last season in the Florida Collegiate Summer League and with the Cape Cod League champion Bourne Braves, Taylor has spent this summer back in the Florida League as a member of the Sanford River Rats.

As a member of the Eagles, Taylor helped Polk State reach back-to-back FCSAA Tournaments. He's the first player to lead Polk State in stolen bases in consecutive seasons since Daniel Sweet in 2013 and 2014.