Chris Taylor Open to Any Role on Loaded Dodgers Roster Next Season
Chris Taylor has been the ultimate utility man for the Dodgers since he arrived in Los Angeles via a trade in 2016.
In Seattle, he was a minor-league shortstop who was batting .312 with a .845 OPS in Triple-A and the Dodgers exchanged pitcher Zach Lee for him.
In 2017, his first full season with the Dodgers, he launched 21 home runs and batted .288 in 140 games. But his arrival was an adjustment, as Corey Seager was the everyday shortstop.
He proved himself at the Major League level and has since seen time all over the field. One day at shortstop and the next in left field to second base to third base and back to the outfield. He spoke to Doug McKain of dodgersnation.com about his ability to move all over the field.
“That’s the advantage of being able to play all over, and I’m thankful I was kind of forced to step into that role when I got traded to the Dodgers. I was always very stubborn to be a shortstop and a shortstop only, and with Corey Seager there, that wasn’t really an option. So it kind of forced my hand to learn how to play outfield and play all over the field, and I think that’s been the best thing for my career and it’s really kept me on the field each and every year.”
Because he can play almost anywhere, he is expecting to continue to see time everywhere in 2024. The roster is loaded and if he isn't an everyday starter, he can step in when someone needs a day off or if there is an injury.
“We obviously have a lot of guys at all positions. And this isn’t anything new for me. I think it’s really hard to predict exactly where I’ll be. I think so much of it has to do with who’s available, who’s playing well. My thing has always been I can kind of play all over. So if somebody goes down with an injury, I’m able to fill in that spot. And just like, whatever’s best for the team — who’s playing well, who’s slumping a little bit — I can fill in there. There’s really no predicting. I think this year, when you look at it now, I’m not sure what position I’ll be at, and time will tell I guess.”
Taylor batted .254 in 2023 with 15 homers in 117 games.
