The Los Angeles Dodgers have made their vision clear: create the best baseball team possible.
A simple yet difficult mission to accomplish, the Dodgers have begrudgingly moved on from long-time players Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor for higher-upside replacements.
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While it was a somber breakup to a mostly cheerful relationship, Los Angeles is not counting out a reunion with Taylor.
But not as a player.
Here is what Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman had to say about Taylor, via Dodgers Nation:
“He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been around. Whenever he’s done playing four, five, six years from now, I hope he’s always connected to the Dodgers.”
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Chris Taylor (3) scores a run in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at Dodger Stadium.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Friedman did not delve into specifics, and it is unclear exactly what he might have in mind for Taylor. Los Angeles is no stranger to attracting retirees; however, with Brandon Gomes, a five-year MLB veteran, serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager. While that is a lofty expectation for Taylor, his path could take him down a similar road.
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Taylor debuted with the Seattle Mariners in 2014 before joining the Dodgers in 2016. Even with a career .250 batter with a .749 OPS and 103 OPS+, Taylor has made his bones on his defensive versatility and high baseball IQ.
Over 7,847 career innings, Taylor has exceeded 1,000 innings in left field (2,451.1), shortstop (2,217), center field (1,439.1), and second base (1,091.1). He also won Co-MVP of the 2017 National League Championship Series, batting .316 with a 1.248 OPS and two home runs in five games.
Taylor will turn 34 this August, and if his playing days are finished, what a run it has been. But this is still a proven veteran with an October pedigree and a multi-faceted skillset who would make a solid bench addition for any contender.
Related: Ken Rosenthal Reveals NL Team That Nearly Traded Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani
Related: Dodgers Send Message to Chris Taylor After Major Roster Decision