Red Sox Prospect Nelly Taylor Overcomes Childhood Tumor, Showing Promise in Arizona Fall League
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Red Sox prospect Nelly Taylor, currently playing in the Arizona Fall League, is demonstrating significant potential as he refines his skills after overcoming a childhood battle with a rare kidney cancer.
Taylor, 22, was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor in his left kidney at age five, requiring surgery and years of recovery. He revealed that the condition prevented him from playing contact sports growing up. “I said that’s funny that you ask because I could never play contact sports,” Taylor said. “I couldn’t play contact sports because I have one kidney and I had a tumor that had to be removed.” This limitation led him to focus on baseball and track, ultimately shaping his path to professional baseball.
Despite a relatively raw skillset, Taylor is currently ranked as the No. 17 prospect in the Red Sox system. He’s been working with Glendale hitting coach Chris Hess on improving his swing decisions and bat-to-ball skills, utilizing techniques like skinny bat and colored ball drills. “Have you seen him play center field? Super athlete,” Hess said. “He’s that guy that’s going to go get it in center field.” Taylor notched his first multi-hit effort of the Fall League yesterday, reaching base three times with two singles and a walk, signaling potential progress. The Red Sox are hoping Taylor’s development will bolster their outfield depth in the coming seasons; you can find more information on Red Sox prospects here.
Taylor’s journey highlights the resilience of athletes and the impact of early life experiences on career paths. He credits his parents, Nelson Taylor Sr. and Kalisha Cobbs, with instilling strength and hope during his recovery, stating, “They were keeping in my mind like, ‘You’re strong. You’re chosen.'” He ultimately chose baseball over potential college basketball offers, believing it offered the clearest path to a professional career, and signed with the Red Sox for $300,000 after being drafted in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Taylor will continue to work on refining his skills in the Arizona Fall League, with coaches emphasizing the importance of trusting his natural abilities and controlling the strike zone.
