The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized a four-year, $60 million contract extension with Chris Taylor prior to MLB team owners imposing a lockout at the start of December when the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expired.
The 31-year-old drew interest from a slew of teams and was projected to receive a contract in the five-year range. Taylor’s top priority, however, was remaining with the Dodgers, and he reportedly left salary on the table to make that a reality.
Taylor told David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports that he is grateful to have received a four-year contract offer from L.A. and appreciated getting the deal done before the work stoppage:
“It meant a lot to me that they were willing to give the offer they did and I was really happy we were able to get something done before the lockout. … When they offer you that amount of money and timeframe, it lets you know as a player they value you. That meant more to me than anything.”
Taylor was one of the more important players the Dodgers figured to make an effort to retain heading into free agency and that became all the more urgent after Corey Seager signed with the Texas Rangers.
Taylor batted .254/.344/.438 with 25 doubles, 20 home runs, 73 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 582 plate appearances last season (148 games). His ability to play all over the field was instrumental to the team withstanding a rash of injuries as he saw time at six different positions.
Taylor earned a first career All-Star Game selection along with being the recipient of the organization’s 2021 Heart & Hustle Award and the 16th Roy Campanella Award. The honor is given annually to one player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.
With Trea Turner likely shifting over to shortstop this year, Taylor presumably will see more time at second base while continuing to fill a super-utility role.
Ebel ‘so happy’ Dodgers re-signed Taylor
Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel recognizes how valuable Taylor is to the Dodgers and was thrilled to hear the news of his re-signing.
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