Chris Taylor, who spent parts of 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, reportedly retired on May 22, only for another report to say he changed his mind and went on the Minor League injured list the following day.
But now, Taylor has cleared up that misunderstanding with an Instagram post confirming his decision to hang up the cleats.
“Clearing up any confusion,” Taylor wrote. “I’ve officially decided to retire from the game I’ve dedicated my entire life towards. I’m beyond grateful to all of my coaches and teammates, and the organizations who allowed me to live out my childhood dream.
“I’ll forever cherish the memories along the way and most of all, the friendships that will last a lifetime. Thank you to the loyal fans who have supported me through my success and stuck with me through the struggles. Thank you to my parents and family who have been with me from the very beginning. My baseball journey would have never begun if it weren’t for you guys.
“Most of all, thank you to my wife, Mary, who has been my number one. You stepped up for our family and allowed me to see my dream through all the way to the end and then some. I can’t wait to start our next chapter in life together with our boys.”
Taylor signed a Minor League contract with the Los Angeles Angels, played in 32 games for Triple-A Salt Lake before announcing his retirement.
Taylor played in the Major Leagues for 12 seasons, most notably with the Dodgers from 2016-25. He was released in May 2025, while the Dodgers owed him more than $13 million due to his struggles over his final seasons.
Taylor joined the Angels after being released by the Dodgers and appeared in 30 games for them in 2025, marking his final appearances at the Major League level. He hit just .179 with a .598 on-base plus slugging in Anaheim.
Still, the utilityman had a highly productive and unexpected career. After struggling with the Seattle Mariners from 2014-16, the Dodgers acquired him in exchange for former top prospect Zach Lee.
Taylor went on to have a breakout season in 2017, batting .288/.354/.496 with 21 home runs, 72 RBI, 85 runs scored, 17 stolen bases, a 126 wRC+ and 4.5 WAR. He shared co-MVP honors with Justin Turner in the National League Championship Series and helped the Dodgers reach the World Series for the first time since 1988.
With the Dodgers, Taylor was named an All-Star while winning two World Series titles, the first in 2020 and the second in 2024. He should also receive one more ring for appearing in 28 games as a member of the 2025 Dodgers, if he hasn’t already.
Taylor had his most notable swings in the postseason, the first of which was his leadoff home run in Game 1 of the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros, and the other when he hit a walk-off home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2021 NL Wild Card Game.
Over his 10 years with the Dodgers, Taylor played in 1,007 games and hit .250/.330/.431 with 184 doubles, 30 triples 108 home runs, 423 RBI and 480 runs scored. He also became the poster child for the Dodgers’ emphasis on versatility, appearing at second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield spots.
By finishing the 2025 season with the Angels, he reached the milestone of 10 years in Major League service time.
“He’s had a great career,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “He got everything out of his ability, he was a great teammate, I was fortunate enough to coach him. I hope he, Mary and the kids can ride off into the sunset. Does a lot of stuff with their foundation. He was a joy. A complete pro.”
Dave Roberts recalls Chris Taylor highlight
One of Taylor’s most memorable highlights was a sliding catch in Game 7 of the NLCS in 2018. Taylor’s grab against the Milwaukee Brewers helped send the Dodgers to the World Series.
“I didn’t think about it today, but man, worlds would’ve been different if he hadn’t made that play,” Roberts said.
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