The flurry of activity in MLB free agency has not been kind to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lost Max Scherzer to the New York Mets and Corey Seager to the Texas Rangers within a matter of hours on Monday.
The two were among the Dodgers’ prominent free agents this winter, and Seager’s departure places more of an importance on the club re-signing Chris Taylor. There is believed to be mutual interest, but as expected, Taylor appears to have a robust market.
In addition to the Dodgers, the Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals have been among the teams connected to the super utilityman.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the L.A. Angels and Toronto Blue Jays have recently entered the picture as well and Taylor could sign before the collective bargaining agreement expires Wednesday night:
Sources: Free agent Chris Taylor is drawing broad interest and could sign by Wednesday. Dodgers would like to retain him. Blue Jays, Mariners, Angels, and Nationals also have been involved over the past week. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 30, 2021
Chris Taylor is "probably now the highest priority for Toronto," @jonmorosi tells us on @FAN590.
Kris Bryant has also been a conversation.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) November 30, 2021
The Blue Jays having interest in Taylor hardly is a surprise considering their vacancy at second base in the wake of Marcus Semien agreeing to sign with the Texas Rangers. Taylor played six different positions this past season and logged 294 innings at second base.
Since being acquired from the Mariners in 2016, Taylor has hit .264/.341/.458 with 135 doubles, 25 triples, 79 home runs, 299 RBI and 50 stolen bases over parts of six seasons with the Dodgers. He earned a first career All-Star Game selection this year.
Taylor voted Dodgers’ Campanella winner
Earlier this year the Dodgers voted Taylor the winner of the 16th annual Roy Campanella Award, which is given annually to one player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher. Within the organization it’s also known as “Most Inspirational Dodger.”
The award is voted on by uniformed Dodgers personnel (players and coaches). Last year it went to Justin Turner, who became the organization’s first three-time recipient to break a tie with two-time winners Clayton Kershaw and Chase Utley.
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