Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Chris Taylor, who spent parts of 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, announced his retirement. Taylor’s decision came after playing in 32 games for Triple-A Salt Lake (Los Angeles Angels affiliate) this year.
Taylor’s career comes to an end after 12 Major League seasons. He was a member of the Dodgers organization from 2016-25. The Dodgers released Taylor in May of the 2025 season despite owing him more than $13 million at the time, and he went on to sign with the Angels.
Despite continued struggles with the change of scenery, Taylor returned to the Angels on a Minor League contract for this year. He didn’t appear in an MLB game for the Angels before retiring this year.
The 35-year-old was a late bloomer after being acquired by the Dodgers in a trade that sent former top pitching prospect Zach Lee to the Seattle Mariners in June 2016. The deal wound up becoming one of the biggest success stories for Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto later called it the “worst deal I’ve ever made.”
Chris Taylor’s biggest moments with Dodgers
Taylor had a breakout season with the Dodgers in 2017, batting .288/.354/.496 with 21 home runs, 72 RBI, 85 runs scored, 17 stolen bases, a 126 wRC+ and 4.5 WAR. He shared co-MVP honors with Justin Turner in the National League Championship Series that year and helped the Dodgers reach the World Series for the first time since 1988.
In 2018, Taylor made a dramatic sliding catch in Game 7 of the NLCS to help the Dodgers eliminate the Milwaukee Brewers on the road.
Taylor then helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 2020 and he was on their 2024 championship team as well.
Sandwiched in between those was Taylor earning an All-Star Game selection in 2021. That October saw Taylor add to his Dodgers postseason lore by hitting a walk-off home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Wild Card Game.
Taylor became the poster child for the Dodgers’ high value on versatility as he started games at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions. Although he struggled over multiple seasons at the end of his Dodgers tenure, Taylor’s impact was not lost on former teammates, manager Dave Roberts or the front office.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
