In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, the Los Angeles Dodgers have released veteran utility player Chris Taylor, who has been with the team since 2016. The decision comes despite the Dodgers still owing him $13.4 million on his contract.
A Storied Career with the Dodgers
Chris Taylor, 34, has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ roster for nearly a decade. Over his tenure, he has played in over 1,000 games, contributing significantly to the team’s success, including World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. Taylor was also named an All-Star in 2021 and earned the NLCS MVP award in 2017 .
A Decline in Performance
Despite his illustrious career, Taylor’s performance has declined in recent seasons. In 2025, he struggled at the plate, batting just .200 with a .457 OPS in 28 games. This downturn in performance likely influenced the Dodgers’ decision to part ways with the veteran infielder/outfielder .
Financial Implications
The Dodgers’ decision to release Taylor is financially significant. According to reports, the team still owes him $13.4 million on his contract. This amount includes the remaining balance of his four-year, $60 million deal, which was signed after his standout 2021 season .
The Dodgers’ Roster Moves
In conjunction with Taylor’s release, the Dodgers activated infielder Tommy Edman from the 10-day injured list. Edman, known for his versatility and solid performance, is expected to contribute immediately to the team’s efforts as they aim for another World Series title .
Looking Ahead
The release of Chris Taylor marks the end of an era for the Dodgers. While his contributions to the team’s success are undeniable, the organization is clearly focused on the future and making decisions that they believe will best position them for continued success.
As of now, Taylor is a free agent, and it remains to be seen which team, if any, will sign the veteran utility player.
