Prior to the MLB lockout beginning the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed Chris Taylor to a four-year, $60 million contract with a $12 million team option for the 2026 season.
The super utility man was one of the more important players the team figured to make an effort to retain heading into free agency, and that became even more true after Corey Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers.
In addition to his above-average hitting, Taylor can play all over the diamond. His versatility was instrumental to the Dodgers withstanding a rash of injuries last season as he saw time at six different positions.
During a recent appearance on “Dodger Talk,” third base coach Dino Ebel revealed to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports that he is thrilled the club was able to retain one of their most valuable players:
“This guy comes to work every day in a manner that he is on a mission. He’s a great teammate, a great clubhouse leader and he just wants to win. He comes out, doesn’t say a whole lot. I’m coming back for my fourth season, and C.T. is in the cages, he’s on the field getting ground balls. He’s a steady player, he’s got great talent, a great clutch hitter, and as you know he plays multiple positions. The value is there and I’m so happy we got this guy back because he means a whole lot to this ballclub.”
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). He went on to hit .351/.419/.784 in 11 playoff games and most notably lifted the Dodgers past the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Wild Card Game with a walk-off home run.
Taylor earned a first career All-Star Game selection last year, and was the recipient of the organization’s 2021 Heart & Hustle Award and the 16th Roy Campanella Award.
Since being acquired from the Seattle Mariners in 2016, Taylor has batted .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 (657 games).
Ebel, Pujols reunited with Dodgers
Among other topics Ebel discussed was his friendship with Albert Pujols that dates back to their time with the L.A. Angels.
Ebel revealed that he visits Pujols every offseason to hit ground balls and also shared a story of the time the future Hall of Famer surprised him with a Corvette as a token of appreciation.
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