Chris Taylor’s journey from a key Los Angeles Dodgers utility man to a new chapter with the Los Angeles Angels has taken on fresh significance in the 2025 MLB season. No longer a hypothetical, Taylor’s move across town is now a reality, bringing with it a blend of nostalgia, strategic roster maneuvering, and the hope for a late-career resurgence.
Chris Taylor’s Dodgers Legacy and Decline
Taylor’s tenure with the Dodgers began in 2016 after a trade with the Seattle Mariners. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s most valuable utility players, known for his ability to play nearly every position on the field and deliver in high-pressure postseason moments. Taylor was central to the Dodgers’ success, earning an All-Star selection in 2021 and contributing to two World Series titles. His postseason heroics included a 2021 NL Wild Card Game walk-off home run and a three-homer performance in the NLCS against Atlanta.
From 2017 through 2021, Taylor was a steady contributor, batting .265 with 78 home runs and 292 RBIs. However, his offensive production suffered ups and downs, much like the unpredictability of Rainbow Riches slots, after signing a four-year, $60 million extension before the 2022 season. Over his final three years with the Dodgers, Taylor’s slash line fell to .222/.307/.369, and his role diminished as younger, more productive players emerged.
By the start of 2025, Taylor had become the Dodgers’ longest-tenured position player but found himself squeezed out by the likes of Hyeseong Kim and Tommy Edman. In 2024, Taylor played just 87 games, hitting .202 with a .598 OPS, four home runs, and 23 RBIs, while striking out in nearly a third of his plate appearances. The Dodgers released Taylor on May 18, 2025, an emotional and pragmatic move. Team president Andrew Friedman called it “incredibly difficult,” but acknowledged that the changing roster dynamics and Taylor’s declining performance made the decision necessary.
Signing with the Angels: Contract Details and Immediate Impact
Taylor’s release quickly led to a new opportunity with the Los Angeles Angels, who signed him to a one-year contract on May 26, 2025. The deal is for the prorated MLB minimum, amounting to approximately $518,925 for the remainder of the season. The Dodgers remain responsible for the bulk of his $13 million salary and a $4 million buyout on his 2026 club option. Taylor’s contract with the Angels runs through the end of the 2025 season, after which he will become a free agent.
The Angels, under manager Ron Washington, immediately slotted Taylor into center field and the bottom of their batting order. Taylor’s arrival prompted the demotion of prospect Kyren Paris to Triple-A, a move reflecting the team’s desire for experienced, versatile depth as they navigated injuries and roster instability.
Taylor’s Role and Performance with the Angels
Taylor’s reputation for defensive versatility and postseason experience made him a logical fit for the Angels. This team has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the infield and outfield. Washington praised Taylor’s leadership and ability to mentor younger players, noting that his “been through the wars” experience could help guide a roster in transition.
Offensively, Taylor’s struggles have continued. In his first 10 games with the Angels, he batted .200 (6-for-30) with one home run, three doubles, and three RBIs. His on-base percentage (.227) and slugging (.286) have remained below league average, and his strikeout rate has hovered around 36%, more than double his hit total in that span. While Taylor has helped stabilize the Angels’ defense and has been one of their more valuable defenders per advanced metrics, his offensive output has been among the lowest on the team.
Despite these challenges, Taylor did show brief flashes of his old self, notably collecting four hits—including a home run and two doubles—along with three RBIs in a weekend series against the Seattle Mariners. However, his momentum was abruptly halted on June 10, 2025, when he suffered a broken left hand after being hit by a pitch. The injury landed him on the 10-day injured list, with no clear timetable for his return. Manager Ron Washington noted that Taylor had also battled a neck injury earlier in the year, compounding his recent misfortunes.
Roster Implications and Strategic Fit
Taylor’s signing was a low-risk move for the Angels, who only owe him the league minimum while the Dodgers cover the remainder of his salary. The Angels have used Taylor primarily in center field and at second base, sharing time with Jo Adell, Luis Rengifo, and Scott Kingery. The acquisition of LaMonte Wade Jr. from the Giants following Taylor’s injury further underscores the team’s need for versatile, experienced players as they await the return of stars like Mike Trout.
Taylor’s presence has allowed the Angels to manage their roster better, providing flexibility and a veteran presence in a clubhouse with significant turnover. His ability to play multiple positions remains valuable, even as his offensive production lags behind his defensive contributions.
Contract Status and Future Outlook
Taylor’s contract with the Angels is a one-year, $760,000 deal, prorated to $518,925 for the 2025 season. The Dodgers are responsible for the remainder of his $13 million salary and the $4 million buyout for 2026, making this a classic “buy-low” scenario for the Angels. Taylor will be a free agent after the 2025 season.
Chris Taylor’s move to the Angels has provided a new opportunity for playing time and leadership, but his on-field performance has not matched the impact he once had with the Dodgers. His defensive versatility and experience remain assets, but injuries and declining offensive numbers have limited his contributions. The Angels’ decision to sign Taylor reflects both a need for veteran depth and the realities of a roster in flux, as they continue to seek stability and production in a challenging season.
