Reds’ Taylor Trammell Takes Home Futures Game MVP

Image credit: Taylor Trammell poses with the MVP award after a 10-6 US win over the World Team. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than anything, Taylor Trammell wanted to walk away from the Futures Game with a win. That’s what the Reds prospect said U.S. manager Torii Hunter told the team before the game, and that’s what he was out there to do, no matter what.

They accomplished that goal, taking a 10-6 slugfest over the World team at Nationals Park, and Trammell played as key a role as anyone. Trammell went a perfect 2-for-2, hit one of the game’s eight home runs, nearly missed a second one and walked away with the game’s MVP award.

“It was a blessing. It was a blast,” Trammell said afterward. “We had a good group of guys out here and everything … Granted, I got the MVP and everything, but I could care less about that. I’m really just excited that we got the win.”

The eight home runs on Sunday afternoon were more than the previous four Futures Games combined, but that total didn’t come close to the most longballs Trammell had seen in a game this season.

Exactly three months ago, Trammell’s Daytona Tortugas and the rival Jupiter Hammerheads set a Florida State League record with 11 home runs in a game. Trammell contributed to that record, too.

“I didn’t even really think the ball was flying that much (today),” Trammell said. “Guys were just connecting with balls today. Peter Alonso hit the highest ball I’ve ever seen hit. … He got a hold of it and he was a very good hitter today.”

 

Hunter Greene, one of Trammell’s teammates in the Reds’ system, was excited that Trammell brought home the MVP award on the biggest stage the minor leagues has to offer.

“Amazing. It’s awesome. I’m very happy for Trammell,” Greene said. “I’m excited to play. He’s a great ballplayer, and it’s great to see.”

Trammell’s second hit of the day was a triple just off the top of the wall to the deepest part of the park. The way Trammell reacted, however, it was clear he thought he’d just joined World outfielder Yusniel Diaz with a pair of home runs.

The ball banged off the wall, however, and once Trammell realized what had happened he turned on the jets and coasted into third base.

Needless to say, Trammell’s teammates for a day had more than a little bit of fun with him once he got back to the dugout.

“We all (teased him) when we were in the dugout,” Greene said. “It was really funny, but he’s a great guy and that was a great hit as well, so it was cool.”

Trammell took it in stride, though, and even managed to refocus it as a positive for one of his teammates while acknowledging that he likely hasn’t heard the end of it yet from people around him.

“You’ve always got to take all the positives out of everything. I got Jo (Adell) an RBI,” he said. “I’m going to laugh about that tomorrow. It’s going to be very funny. I’m never going to hear the end of it from my dad. My brother’s not going to let me have any type of rest with it, but I’m still very happy.”