Palm Springs, Calif. – When John Taylor arrived at the 2025 California Winter League, he did not expect to get the attention that he eventually received. Seen as just an opportunity to get extra work and improve as a player, ended up changing the trajectory of his young professional career.
John is a unique player since he had already made quite a name for himself before joining the CWL through social media. John has become popular on Instagram (@jtbatbro) and YouTube, alongside his brother, as the Baseball Bat Bros. A content creation duo with close to a million followers on Instagram and YouTube providing honest, in depth reviews of baseball bats. Despite the online success, John still set his sights on earning a contract to play professional baseball, which is what brought him to the 2025 CWL.
John Taylor arrived at the 2025 CWL as an unsigned free agent, simply looking for an opportunity to get some at-bats in. Upon arrival at the CWL, he started hot right away, hitting his first home run in just his second game. Playing in only 7 games, John hit .409 with 7 RBIs, striking out only twice. “I signed up for the California Winter League just to get some at-bats in, but I didn’t realize how many Indy ball coaches were going to be there,” Taylor said.
John’s CWL performances caught the eye of his CWL coach, Stan Cliburn, who is the long-time manager of the Southern Maryland Bluecrabs in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB). John’s play convinced Cliburn to offer him a contract after just 7 games in the CWL. “My Skip over at the Bluecrabs, Stan Cliburn, liked how I played and gave me an opportunity to come play for the Crabs in the Atlantic League,” Taylor said. “I was very grateful for the opportunity, and it allowed me to get to where I’m at today.”
Once he joined The Bluecrabs, John began to find success with the club. He played 52 games for Southern Maryland, where he hit .288 while recording 8 HR, 11 2B, 28 RBIs, and an impressive 40 walks. His best performance for the Bluecrabs came on June 24th against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, which saw Taylor go 4-6 with a homerun, a double, and 5 RBIs in an 11-2 victory. This standout game led to an unexpected opportunity just two days later—a call from his manager with life-changing news. “I played for a couple months over at the Bluecrabs and started to find a good groove,” Taylor recalled. “I woke up one day and my Skip called me and told me my contract had been purchased by the (Texas) Rangers.” This marked a significant milestone for the 24-year-old, as it was the first Major League offer of his career.
Since getting signed, John has been assigned to the Texas Rangers’ High A affiliate, the Hub City Spartanburgers. As of today, he has played in 32 games, recording 30 hits and 2 home runs while sustaining a .283 batting average. Despite the early success, John remains focused and grateful for the opportunity. “I’ve been here for just over a month, and I am lucky enough to have had some early success,” he said. “Looking to just stay consistent and play the game that I’m very lucky to still be playing to this day.” John’s journey has reinforced a mindset he has carried with him all along: “If I could say one thing, it is that the Lord always has a plan even if it feels like you’re at the end of your rope.”
John’s path to playing professional baseball is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from a passion for the game. From a player looking for extra reps in a winter league to earning a contract with a Major League organization, his story highlights the incredible value of the California Winter League as a launchpad for professional careers.
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Fans can also tune in on the California Winter League YouTube to watch every 2026 stadium game live. The California Winter League is the longest-running professional showcase league of its kind. Since its inaugural season in 2010, the CWL has seen over 900 of its players sign professional contracts. Each year, it is the premier destination for free agent baseball players who are looking to be scouted and signed.
Stay up-to-date with the California Winter League at californiawinterleague.com or by following the CWL on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Palm Springs Stadium is located at 1901 E Baristo Road in Palm Springs.
For more information, visit californiawinterleague.com or call (760) 778-4487.
