Chris Taylor struggles after joining Los Angeles Angels became apparent during his difficult debut against the New York Yankees, raising questions about his ability to positively influence his new team. The veteran player, who recently moved from the Los Angeles Dodgers, faced significant challenges both at the plate and in the field on September 27, 2024, in Denver.

Challenging Start Marks Taylor’s Transition to the Angels

Chris Taylor entered the Angels with the expectation of providing both veteran leadership and dependable performance to a young and inconsistent roster. His time with the Dodgers had established him as a versatile and trusted player, capable of mentoring emerging talent while contributing in multiple roles, particularly across the outfield and infield. However, his first game against the Yankees highlighted struggles that have caused concern among fans and analysts.

Defensively, Taylor showed flashes of his capability, successfully handling plays such as catching fly balls from Jorbit Vivas and fielding grounders from Trent Grisham. Despite these moments, he was unable to prevent a costly line drive by Anthony Volpe with the bases loaded, allowing the Angels to concede critical runs. Offensively, Taylor failed to make an impact, striking out to end the second inning and flying out to center field in the fifth, while the Yankees extended their lead to 4-1 behind Volpe’s hitting.

Prior to joining the Angels, Taylor’s 2025 season with the Dodgers had already seen a dip in production. His batting average sat at .200, with a .457 on-base plus slugging (OPS) and a negative win above replacement (WAR) of -0.5. This represented a sharp contrast to his prior Dodgers career numbers, which included a .250 batting average, .749 OPS, and a cumulative 16.4 WAR. Notably, Taylor earned an All-Star selection in 2021 and contributed to Dodgers’ World Series titles in 2020 and 2024.

Strategic Adjustments by Angels to Support Taylor

In response to Taylor’s early struggles, the Angels have made adjustments to their outfield configuration. Jo Adell has been moved to right field, while Kyren Paris was sent down to Triple-A to create additional space for Taylor on the roster. Despite these moves, the veteran’s performance has left many questioning whether the Angels’ gamble on him will pay off in the long term.

Mike Frisch, host of the Locked On Angels podcast, expressed the team’s need for a dependable veteran presence amid this period of transition:

We need somebody who is been through the wars… a good piece for these young players to talk to about how to handle the grind. We want that veteran experience, but we also want performance on the field.

—Mike Frisch, Locked On Angels Podcast Host

Mike Trout’s Recovery Remains Critical for Angels’ Prospects

The Angels’ hopes for stabilizing and improving their lineup are closely tied to the progress of star player Mike Trout. Recovering from a left knee contusion suffered on April 30, Trout has been working through the necessary steps before beginning a minor league rehab assignment, which is expected to start near the end of the Yankees series. A key milestone for this rehab process is running the bases, an important hurdle Trout himself has acknowledged:

Running the bases is a big hurdle,

—Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels Star

Before his injury, Trout’s statistics reflected ongoing challenges, with a .179 batting average, .264 on-base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .462, alongside a career-high strikeout rate of 29.8%. Nevertheless, his power hitting remained evident through nine home runs in 121 at-bats, signaling his offensive capability remains intact. The Angels secured Trout on a 12-year, $426.5 million contract, with six years and more than $212 million still remaining, underscoring the importance of his return as pivotal for the team’s playoff ambitions.

The timeline for Trout’s comeback projects him missing about a month’s worth of games by the end of the Yankees series. The team anticipates a gradual reintegration process, mindful of past slow recoveries and focusing on allowing Trout to regain his timing and form to rejuvenate the Halos’ offense.

The Angels at a Crucial Juncture Amid Taylor’s Struggles and Trout’s Return

The Los Angeles Angels find themselves at a significant crossroads. Chris Taylor was expected to bring veteran stability and leadership to a young team facing difficulties, yet his initial performance has deepened existing concerns about the lineup’s effectiveness. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Mike Trout’s recovery, which carries heavy implications for the team’s chances moving forward.

With the veteran presence underwhelming and key players sidelined, the Angels’ season trajectory will largely depend on whether Trout can return to form swiftly enough to inspire the team‘s offense and enhance their competitive outlook heading into the latter part of the campaign. The season’s outcome may well hinge on how the Halos navigate this delicate balance between seasoned leadership and emerging talent.