On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Chris Taylorwill be returning to the Dodgers on a four-year $60 million contract, keeping him with the team until 2025. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the deal includes a fifth-year option, which would increase Taylor’s pay to $72 million.
Entering his seventh season with Los Angeles, Taylor is known for his versatility. He is the literal definition of a utility player and has been one for the Dodgers since he was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. Taylor broke into the major league with the Seattle Mariners in 2014 and was with Seattle until being traded to Los Angeles.
Since coming to the Dodgers in 2016, Taylor has played at least 30 games at center field, second base. shortstop, and third base. Most notably, Taylor was the MVP of the National League Championship Series in 2017 and was part of the Dodgers World Series Championship team in 2020, following the COVID-19 abbreviated 2020 season.
Not only that, In 2021, he made his first All-Star appearance, and he had great offensive success. Last season, Taylor slashed .254/.344/.438 with 20 home runs, 73 runs batted in and 13 stolen bases. Throughout the 2021 season, Taylor saw the most playing time at second base and in center field.
Taylor showed the world how hot his bat was in the postseason in Game 5 of the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves. Though the Dodgers lost that series, Taylor gave it his all, hitting three home runs in just that won game.
Taylor, 31, is the fourth Dodger free agent to sign this season and the first to return since veteran Max Scherzer, shortstop Corey Seager and Corey Knebel all signed with other clubs. To make room for Taylor on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles designated infielder Sheldon Neuse for assignment.
