Chris Taylor has been a key contributor to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ success over the last decade, but he endured what was arguably the worst season of his career in 2024.
Taylor hit just .202/.298/.300 with seven doubles, one triple, four home runs and 23 RBI in 246 plate appearances across 87 games. He missed some time due to a left groin strain but it was clear that his role had been significantly reduced.
The 34-year-old used the offseason to work on his mechanics in effort to get back on track. Through three Cactus League games, he has reached base three times in nine plate appearances.
“I see a consistent mind, as we have always seen. Preparedness, openness to do whatever we ask,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“I want to get him at-bats. Like most guys early on, he’s trying to find his swing. Sometimes you’ve just got to move guys around the diamond to get them in the lineup, and Chris is completely fine with that.”
Taylor has noticeably moved his hands less in his batting stance, but Roberts isn’t sure what specific changes he made to his swing.
“I really haven’t asked,” Roberts began. “To the eye, it looks a little more quiet. I just think for me, it’s a role that is inconsistent as far as the playing time.
“So for me, whatever he can find that’s consistent, that’s lower maintenance and produces more contact, I think that’s something we need from Chris. In the past he has done that, and the last few years we’ve gotten away from that.”
Although Taylor struggled mightily at the plate last season, Roberts believes he wasn’t overwhelmed in at-bats.
“I think he competes,” Roberts said. “There’s just got to be an adjustment. There’s got to be an adjustment, whatever that means.”
Chris Taylor’s role with Dodgers in 2025
Roberts indicated that Taylor will have the same role with the Dodgers that he has been accustomed to in recent years. Taylor will likely continue playing all over the field while receiving most of his opportunities against left-handed pitching.
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