Chris Taylor has been an important part of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup since being acquired from the Seattle Mariners in 2016. After an All-Star campaign in 2021, he was rewarded with a four-year contract extension, which began this past season.
Taylor looked to build on his success and initially was able to do so by posting an .813 on-base plus slugging percentage in April. He followed up with 11 extra-base hits and a respectable .769 OPS in 28 games during the month of May.
Unfortunately for Taylor, it was all downhill from there. After a respectable first half, he hit just .193/.278/.313 over the final two-and-a-half months of the regular season.
Taylor missed most of July and part of August because of a fracture in his left foot. He was also held out of the final five games of the regular season due to a recurring neck injury.
In 118 games, Taylor batted .221/.304/.373 with 25 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 43 RBI and 10 stolen bases across 454 plate appearances.
The 32-year-old returned to the Dodgers lineup for the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres, but continued to struggle as he went hitless with five strikeouts in seven plate appearances.
Chris Taylor 2022 highlight
Taylor enjoyed his best performance of the 2022 season on May 26 when he went 3-for-6 with a double, home run and three RBI in the Dodgers’ 14-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
2023 outlook
Taylor is entering the second season of the four-year contract extension he signed and will be looking to bounce back. He is further removed from right elbow surgery and should be able to use the offseason to recover from the injuries he dealt with this year.
With holes to fill in center field and shortstop, Taylor could find himself taking on a bigger role at either of those positions depending on additional moves the Dodgers may make this winter.
However, Taylor is arguably more valuable to the club in a utility role, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he once again plays all over the diamond next season.
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