ANAHEIM, Calif. — Chris Taylor signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, remaining in Southern California after his release by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Taylor appeared in the Angels’ lineup that evening against the New York Yankees, batting eighth and taking the field in center.
Expressing enthusiasm about the move, Taylor stated,
“I get to play at home, and I know the Angels have been playing really good baseball, so I’m excited to join the team and hopefully get on the field. That was one thing with the Dodgers this year. With my role, I wasn’t getting on the field much. I’m really just looking forward to getting consistent at-bats and playing.”
—Chris Taylor, Utilityman
End of Nine-Year Run with Dodgers and Desire for Renewal
Taylor was released by the Dodgers on May 18 after batting .200 (7 for 35) across 28 games in 2024. His release ended nearly a decade-long tenure in Chavez Ravine, where his role had become uncertain. The defending World Series champions favored rookies Hyeseong Kim and Tommy Edman at positions Taylor once held.
Reflecting on his departure, Taylor said,
“I’d been with the Dodgers for nine years, but I do believe it was time for me. It was my time to kind of start fresh and hopefully turn the page, start a new chapter.”
—Chris Taylor, Utilityman
Manager Ron Washington Shares Expectations for Taylor’s Role
Angels manager Ron Washington indicated Taylor will contribute both in the outfield and infield as the team seeks stability. The Angels, coming off an eight-win streak in their previous ten games, welcomed Taylor back with former Dodgers teammates Kenley Jansen and Tyler Anderson. Washington praised Taylor’s veteran experience as a valuable asset for the younger team members.
“He brings experience, which is something we need in there,”
Washington stated.
“He’s a good piece for those young guys to talk to about how to handle the grind. He’s been in the grind with LA, and we want that. We’re going to give him an opportunity to see what he’s got left.”
—Ron Washington, Angels Manager
Taylor, who is 34 and will turn 35 in August, is known for his defensive versatility, having played every position except catcher and first base. Taking Taylor’s roster spot was prospect Kyren Paris, optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake after a slump despite a strong start to the season.
Washington clarified,
“We didn’t option Paris because of results, because if that was the case, that would have been happening,”
adding,
“He needs to play. He’s young. He needs to go get at-bats. He needs to learn to make the adjustments he has to make. I was very impressed with the way he handled himself when things weren’t going the way he wanted them to go.”
—Ron Washington, Angels Manager
Financial Details of Taylor’s Contract Highlight Dodgers’ Commitment
Taylor’s agreement with the Angels carries a salary of $518,925, a prorated portion of the $760,000 major league minimum. However, the Dodgers remain responsible for the majority of his previous contract, including the remainder of his $13 million salary plus a $4 million buyout on the 2026 club option from his original four-year, $60 million deal.
Taylor’s Quest to Regain Consistency and Improve Performance
The two-time World Series winner aims to return to his former productive level after struggling in 2023 and beyond, with his on-base plus slugging (OPS) falling sharply to .580 from a career average of .749. Taylor attributes much of his recent struggles to inconsistent swing mechanics, which have hampered his ability to consistently put the ball in play.
He explained,
“I always attribute it to swing mechanics, and I’ve really been struggling with that,”
continuing,
“I think there’s a lot that goes into it, but I really haven’t had a consistent swing that’s allowed me to put the ball in play and move it forward, so that’s what I’ve been working toward. … I feel good (now). I haven’t got on the field much, so that’s given me a lot of time to rest and stay fresh.”
—Chris Taylor, Utilityman
Career Milestones and Contributions to the Dodgers
Taylor began his major league career with Seattle in 2014 before being traded to the Dodgers in 2016 for right-hander Zach Lee. He became a reliable fixture for Los Angeles, valued for his ability to contribute across various positions and deliver in high-pressure moments. Among his postseason highlights are a walk-off home run that clinched the 2021 National League Wild Card Game against St. Louis, three homers in Game 5 of the 2020 NL Championship Series against Atlanta, and a leadoff homer in the 2017 World Series opener against Houston.
Over 12 major league seasons and 1,093 games, Taylor holds a .250 batting average, with 108 home runs and 433 runs batted in.
Angels Seek Veteran Leadership as Season Progresses
By signing Taylor, the Angels aim to add experience and stability to a team that has shown promise but continues to face challenges in both the infield and outfield. His multi-positional skill set and postseason pedigree offer the Halos a potential catalyst during the stretch run.