Chris Taylor earned his first All-Star selection with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021 and turned it into a four-year contract extension that began this past season.
The 32-year-old initially was able to build on his success but struggled mightily during the second half of 2022, hitting just .193/.278/.313 over his last 44 games.
Taylor missed most of July and part of August because of a fracture in his left foot. He was also held out of the final five games of the regular season due to a recurring neck injury.
With the start of Spring Training just over a month away, Taylor revealed during an appearance on “Dodger Talk” with David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports that he quickly began working with the Dodgers hitting coaches to fix his swing:
“I’ve been working a lot with our hitting coaches. Literally a week after the season ended, I started hitting because I wanted to get a jump start on it for my own peace of mind. I’ve been working with our hitting coach, Robert Van Scoyoc, a lot. I feel good with where I’m at now with my swing. I’m optimistic next year will be a better year for me.”
Taylor has made adjustments to his mechanics on several occasions and previously credited Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc for helping him transform his swing after a disappointing 2016 season.
Taylor appeared in 118 games during the 2022 season and batted .221/.304/.373 with 25 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 43 RBI and 10 stolen bases across 454 plate appearances.
The utility man went hitless with five strikeouts in seven plate appearances against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.
There are reasons to believe that Taylor could enjoy a bounce-back year with the Dodgers in 2023. In addition to his work with Van Scoyoc, he will be another year removed from right elbow surgery and should be able to fully recover from the injuries he dealt with last year.
Chris Taylor ‘going to miss’ former Dodgers teammates
The Dodgers lost several longtime contributors in free agency this offseason, including Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner, who signed with the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, respectively.
Taylor recently said it will be strange not seeing them in the clubhouse next season but hopes they find success with their new team.
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