Chris Taylor Dodgers move shocks fans as LA designates the veteran for assignment in a major roster shakeup. Despite having $13.4 million left on his contract, Taylor was released Sunday to clear space for utilityman Tommy Edman, who returned from the injured list.
A Costly Roster Move
Taylor, once a core contributor, was let go with $9.4 million still due this season and a $4 million buyout for 2026. The chris taylor contract was originally a four-year, $60 million deal signed before the 2022 season.
The move came just days after backup catcher Austin Barnes was also DFA’d. That made Taylor the longest-tenured position player on the roster—until Sunday.
“It’s been emotional,” said Andrew Friedman, the team’s president of baseball operations. “C.T. and Barnesy were huge for us. But we had to do what’s best to win now.”
Postseason Hero to Bench Role
Taylor had several historic postseason moments. He smashed a walk-off homer in the 2021 NL Wild Card game and hit three home runs in a single game during the 2021 NLCS. He also hit leadoff in Game 1 of the 2017 World Series.
But this season, Taylor had just 35 plate appearances, batting .200 with two RBIs in 28 games. His production had dipped sharply since 2023, where he hit just .202 with a .598 OPS.
Emergence of Hyeseong Kim
The rise of rookie Hyeseong Kim made Taylor’s departure easier to justify. Kim has been on fire, hitting .452 with nine straight plate appearances reaching base.
“He’s electric,” Friedman said. “His foot speed, energy, and versatility give us a new dynamic.”
Kim will remain on the roster even after Teoscar Hernández returns from the injured list this week.
More Moves Incoming
In a corresponding move, Kirby Yates was placed on the 15-day IL with a hamstring injury. The Dodgers called up Lou Trivino, a 33-year-old righty, from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
More changes are expected soon, as the baseball standings heat up and the Dodgers push for the postseason.
Final Farewell
Taylor joined the Dodgers via trade in 2016 from Seattle. He retooled his swing, became a six-position utility man, and posted a career .256 average with 103 homers and 391 RBIs.
“He’s one of the toughest players I’ve ever known,” Friedman added. “We’ll miss him in the clubhouse and on the field.”
Source: NBC