In a stunning end to a nearly decade-long tenure, the Los Angeles Dodgers released veteran utility man Chris Taylor on Sunday to make room for the return of 2024 NLCS MVP Tommy Edman. Taylor, who had briefly become the club’s longest-tenured position player following the DFA of Austin Barnes earlier in the week, now joins his longtime teammate in an emotional farewell that signals a new chapter for the franchise.
Los Angeles Dodgers Release Chris Taylor in Emotional Roster Shakeup to Prioritize Winning
“This has been a very emotional week for all of us,” said Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “Barnesy and CT have been in the middle of some huge moments for this organization. Both guys have left an indelible mark on our culture and where we’re at this point. So the decisions were incredibly difficult.”
Taylor, acquired from the Seattle Mariners at the 2016 trade deadline, became a key figure in the Dodgers’ success. Over nine seasons and more than 1,000 games in Los Angeles, Taylor posted a .250/.330/.431 slash line with 108 home runs, 423 RBIs, 790 hits, and 480 runs across 3,562 plate appearances. He was the 2017 NLCS Co-MVP and a two-time World Series champion, renowned for his clutch performances and versatility.
Though his usage had declined this season, Taylor remained a respected voice in the clubhouse. The same was true for Barnes, who was designated for assignment Wednesday. Their departures, however difficult, were driven by competitive urgency.
“With where we are — the division race, the competition of the roster, everything — we felt like this was in the Dodgers’ best interest in terms of how to win as many games and put us in a position to best win the World Series this year,” Friedman said.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers activated Edman from the 10-day injured list, reinforcing a roster geared entirely toward October.