Taylor Hearn (baseball)

This article is about the baseball player. For the American football player, see Taylor Hearn (American football).

Taylor Hearn
Hearn with Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2024
Hiroshima Toyo Carp – No. 68
Pitcher
Born: (1994-08-30) August 30, 1994 (age 30)
Royse City, Texas, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Professional debut
MLB: April 25, 2019, for the Texas Rangers
NPB: May 29, 2024, for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp
MLB statistics
(through 2023 season)
Win–loss record12–15
Earned run average5.35
Strikeouts227
NPB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record0–1
Earned run average1.29
Strikeouts26
Saves2
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Taylor Lynn Hearn (born August 30, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Royals.

Amateur career

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Hearn attended Royse City High School in Royse City, Texas.[1] He was drafted after his senior year by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 22nd round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. Rather than sign, Hearn chose to attend San Jacinto College to play college baseball. He was then drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 36th round of the 2013 MLB draft, but did not sign. After a second season at San Jacinto, Hearn was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 25th round of the 2014 MLB draft. He chose to transfer to Oklahoma Baptist University instead of signing. After one year at Oklahoma Baptist, Hearn was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB draft and signed.[2][3]

Professional career

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Washington Nationals

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Hearn spent the 2015 season with both the rookie GCL Nationals and the Low–A Auburn Doubledays, posting a 1–5 record and a 3.56 earned run average (ERA) in 12 games (11 starts). He began 2016 with the GCL Nationals and was later promoted to the Single–A Hagerstown Suns.

Pittsburgh Pirates

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On July 30, 2016, the Nationals traded Hearn, along with Felipe Vázquez, to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Mark Melancon.[4] He played the rest of the season with their Single–A West Virginia Power. In 18 games (seven starts) pitched between the Nationals, Doubledays, and Suns, he had a 2–1 record with a 2.44 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 51.2 innings. Hearn played the entire 2017 season with the High–A Bradenton Marauders, accumulating a 4–6 record and a 4.12 ERA in 19 games (18 starts).[5] He began 2018 with the Double-A Altoona Curve and was selected for the Eastern League All-Star team.[5]

Texas Rangers

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Hearn with the Rangers at Dyess Air Force Base in 2019

Hearn was traded to the Texas Rangers, along with Sherten Apostel, in exchange for Keone Kela on July 30, 2018.[6] He finished the year with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders. In 24 starts between both clubs, he went 4–8 with a 3.49 ERA.[7][5] The Rangers added him to their 40-man roster after the season.[8] In 2019, Hearn was optioned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds to open the season.[9] In 4 games for Nashville, Hearn went 1–3 with a 4.05 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 20 innings.[10]

Hearn was promoted to the Rangers on April 25, 2019, to make his major league debut that night against the Seattle Mariners.[11] He pitched just 1⁄3 of an inning, allowing five runs (four earned).[12] On April 26, he was placed on the injured list with inflammation in his left elbow.[13] Hearn did not return to game action in 2019, as he suffered a fracture in his elbow during rehabilitation in June.[14][15] In 2020, Hearn went 0–0 with a 3.63 ERA and 23 strikeouts over 17+1⁄3 innings for Texas.[5] With Texas in 2021, Hearn went 6–6 with a 4.66 ERA and 92 strikeouts over 114+1⁄3 innings.[16]

Hearn went 6–8 with a 5.13 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 100 innings in 2022. He bounced between the rotation and bullpen that season, as well as being demoted to the Round Rock Express of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League for three games.[17] On August 21, 2022, Hearn earned his first career save.[18]

On January 13, 2023, Hearn agreed to a one-year, $1.4625 million contract with the Rangers, avoiding salary arbitration.[19][20] Hearn spent the majority of his time with Round Rock, posting a 3.66 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 39+1⁄3 innings; in four games for Texas, he struggled to a 10.29 ERA, with seven strikeouts. On July 19, he was designated for assignment by the Rangers following the promotion of Alex Speas.[21][22]

Atlanta Braves

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On July 24, 2023, the Rangers traded Hearn to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations.[23][24] On July 29, he made his Braves debut, where he struggled, allowing four earned runs in relief.[25] The next day, Hearn was optioned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers.[26]

Kansas City Royals

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On July 30, 2023, the Braves traded Hearn to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Nicky Lopez.[27][28] On August 8, Hearn was promoted to the major leagues, and he made his Royals debut two days later, pitching an inning in relief, allowing one hit and no runs.[29][30] In 8 games for the Royals, he struggled to an 8.22 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 7+2⁄3 innings pitched. Following the season on October 26, Hearn was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Omaha Storm Chasers. However, Hearn subsequently rejected the assignment and elected free agency.[31]

Hiroshima Toyo Carp

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On December 3, 2023, Hearn signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball.[32] He made 35 appearances for Hiroshima in 2024, recording a 1.29 ERA with 26 strikeouts across 35 innings pitched.

On November 8, 2024, Hearn re–signed with the Carp on a one–year contract.[33]

Personal life

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Hearn is a Christian.[34] Hearn's grandfather Cleo, father Robby, and three uncles are all former rodeo cowboys.[35] Hearn participated in rodeos growing up from the age 4 through age 17.[36]

Hearn's high school number 21 was retired by Royse City High School in 2017.[37]

References

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  1. ^ Matt Fisher (August 3, 2018). "Meet Royse City's Taylor Hearn, new Rangers prospect". WFAA ABC DFW. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  2. ^ Bill Ladson (March 7, 2016). "Nationals Taylor Hearn Hard-Throwing Prospect". MLB.com. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  3. ^ Byron Kerr (March 25, 2016). "More Insight on Left-Hander Taylor Hearn and Outfielder Victor Robles". MASN Sports. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  4. ^ "Nats Land Star Closer Melancon in Pirates Trade". ESPN.com. July 31, 2016. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c d "Taylor Hearn Stats, Highlights, Bio". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  6. ^ Adam Berry (July 31, 2018). "Pirates Acquire Reliever Keone Kela". MLB.com. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  7. ^ Jamey Newberg (August 6, 2018). "Controlling the controllables: New Rangers pitcher Taylor Hearn is coming home, and still learning the ropes". The Athletic. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  8. ^ T.R. Sullivan (November 20, 2019). "Edinson Volquez, 3 Others Added to 40-Man". MLB.com. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  9. ^ RotoWire Staff (March 12, 2019). "Rangers' Taylor Hearn: Optioned to Nashville". CBSSports.com. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  10. ^ David Claybourn (May 2, 2017). "Royse City-ex Taylor Hearn injures arm in debut with Rangers". Herald-Banner. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  11. ^ Evan Grant (April 24, 2019). "Taylor Hearn's early call-up, the state of Rangers pitching and a 9th-inning Joe West experience". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  12. ^ Evan Grant (April 26, 2019). "Taylor Hearn has shaky debut in an all-around embarrassing loss for Rangers". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  13. ^ Jeff Wilson (April 27, 2019). "Diagnosis is in on Taylor Hearn's left elbow. He and Rangers are breathing sighs of relief". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  14. ^ T.R. Sullivan (November 22, 2019). "Rangers' Hearn has much to be thankful for". MLB.com. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  15. ^ Evan Grant (August 5, 2019). "Taylor Hearn shut down for season with elbow issue; other pitching injury updates". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  16. ^ Weaver, Levi (October 4, 2021). "Grading the 2021 Texas Rangers: Pitchers edition". The Athletic. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  17. ^ Postins, Matthew (October 21, 2022). "Rangers 40-Man Roster Wraps: Taylor Hearn". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  18. ^ "Taylor Hearn Ready for Rangers Bullpen Role". si.com. January 30, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  19. ^ "Rangers Reach 1-Year Deals With 4 of 5 Players Eligible for Arbitration". KXAS-TV. Associated Press. January 17, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  20. ^ Landry, Kennedi (January 13, 2023). "Rangers agree to terms with all 5 arb-eligibles". MLB.com. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  21. ^ "Rangers select contract of RHP Alex Speas from Round Rock, option LHP John King to Round Rock". MLB.com. July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  22. ^ Sherrington, Kevin (July 19, 2023). "Alex Speas delivers for Rangers bullpen in MLB debut vs. Tampa Bay". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  23. ^ "Braves acquire Pierce Johnson, Taylor Hearn to boost bullpen". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 24, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  24. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 24, 2023). "Braves trade for relievers Pierce Johnson (Rox), Hearn (Rangers)". MLB.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  25. ^ "Ronald Acuña homers, steals 50th base in Braves' 11-5 win over Brewers". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 29, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  26. ^ "Olson drives in 5 with 2 HRs, including go-ahead shot, as Braves sweep Brewers 8-6". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  27. ^ "Braves acquire Nicky Lopez, adding infield versatility". MLB.com. July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  28. ^ Toscano, Justin (July 30, 2023). "Braves acquire infielder Nicky Lopez from Royals". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  29. ^ "Royals' Taylor Hearn: Recalled from Omaha". CBSSports.com. August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  30. ^ Thompson, Jaylon (August 8, 2023). "Royals will try out pitcher acquired in Nicky Lopez trade, as Zack Greinke hits the IL". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on August 10, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  31. ^ "Taylor Hearn: Outrighted, elects free agency". cbssports.com. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  32. ^ "広島が助っ人2投手の獲得発表　最速160キロ…198センチの左腕ハーン「とてもワクワク」" Hiroshima ga suketto 2 tōshu no kakutoku happyō saisoku 160-kiro… 198-senchi no hidariude hān `totemo wakuwaku' [Hiroshima announces acquisition of two relief pitchers; fastest pitcher is 160 km/h... 198 cm left-handed pitcher Hahn: "Very excited"]. Yahoo! Japan (in Japanese). December 4, 2023. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023.
  33. ^ "NPB's Hiroshima Carp Sign Elehuris Montero, Re-Sign Taylor Hearn". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  34. ^ Mercer, Kevin (April 13, 2022). "Rangers' Taylor Hearn gets postgame interview question from sister Robyn: 'Don't doubt God'". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  35. ^ Sullivan, T.R. (February 24, 2019). "For prospect Hearn, rodeo runs in the family". MLB.com. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  36. ^ Laurila, David (February 11, 2018). "Sunday Notes: Taylor Hearn and the Tale of the Black Rodeo Cowboys". FanGraphs. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  37. ^ Hardin, Jim (March 1, 2017). "Hearn number retired". Herald-Banner. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
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