Since being acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, Chris Taylor has elevated his game to another level. Not only has he improved offensively, but his ability to line up all over the field makes him one of the club’s most valuable players.
Taylor saw time at four different positions during the abbreviated 2020 regular season, with most of his reps coming at shortstop. However, he also played some outfield and received more opportunities at second base down the stretch.
From an offensive standpoint, Taylor enjoyed one of his better years as well. He posted the highest OPS+ of his career (128), and increased his walk percentage and lowered his strikeout percentage from the previous season.
In 56 games, Taylor hit a solid .270/.366/.476 with 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 32 RBI over 214 plate appearances. He was included on all four of the Dodgers’ postseason rosters but had mixed results.
Taylor went 3-for-6 in two games against the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card Series, then was hitless in 11 at-bats against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.
The 30-year-old’s struggles continued in the NL Championship Series, where he tallied only four hits in 18 at-bats against the Atlanta Braves. Taylor injured himself in Game 5 while throwing a ball to second base from the left-field line, which caused him to miss the ensuing contest.
He ultimately returned for the win-or-go-home Game 7 and went on to appear in all six World Series games against the Tampa Bay Rays. He batted .217 in the Fall Classic with one double, one home run and three RBI across 23 at-bats.
2020 highlight
Taylor enjoyed an all-around solid 2020 campaign, but arguably his best statistical performance of the year came on Sept. 13 against the Houston Astros.
Taylor went 3-for-4 in the contest, recording a double, home run and team-high three RBI. The Dodgers won 8-1 to come away with a split in the two-game series at Dodger Stadium.
2021 outlook
Taylor has one year remaining on a contract signed this past February. Barring a trade, he figures to once again play a major role for the Dodgers.
Taylor could even see his playing time increase — especially so at second base — if Kiké Hernandez signs elsewhere this offseason. Taylor is due to become a free agent himself after the 2021 campaign.
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