Does the Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez Signing Mean the End For Chris Taylor?
The Los Angeles Dodgers struck again Sunday night, when the news broke over an agreement with outfielder Teoscar Hernandez on a one-year contract.
All offseason, but particularly after shoring up their starting rotation, the Dodgers' front office coveted a right-handed hitter to add to their everyday lineup. Signing designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, re-signing right fielder Jason Heyward, and the expected return of Gavin Lux all made the projected starting lineup left-handed dominant.
Intending to remedy that situation, the Dodgers acquired arguably the best-hitting corner outfielder remaining on the free agent market. Hernandez can immediately slot into left field and, most likely, somewhere in the heart of the Dodgers' order against lefties.
This move in all likelihood ends the possibility of Miguel Vargas or Michael Busch manning left field, even in a platoon situation. James Outman figures to reprise his role as the everyday center fielder. In right field, a platoon of Manuel Margot and Heyward looks most likely, depending on who is starting for the opposition. Margot can also play center field in a pinch against lefties.
Lost in the shuffle is Chris Taylor. One of the longest-tenured Dodgers, the move to sign Hernandez likely prevents Taylor from being an everyday player. Does this mean the Dodgers will consider getting rid of the 33-year-old utility player?
In a word, no.
Taylor has two years remaining on his contract at $13 million per year ($15 million toward the Dodgers' competitive balance tax number). This isn't unreasonable considering how much the Dodgers' front office values positional versatility, and how much money they appear to have to spend.
Taylor can play virtually anywhere on the diamond. Even though he won't be locked in as an everyday player, he'll have an opportunity to start three times a week somewhere, whether it be as an outfielder or as an infielder.
While his strikeout rate in 2022-23 was a bit elevated compared to years prior, Taylor can still hit 15-20 home runs in a platoon role. He provides insurance at second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field and right field. If asked, Taylor could probably play first base without much of an issue (though he might need to borrow a glove).
There's also the experience factor. Taylor has a proven himself capable of stepping up in clutch postseason moments, from the 2017 National League Championship Series (when he was chosen Most Valuable Player) or the 2021 wild-card game (when his game-winning home run eliminated the St. Louis Cardinals).
With Margot proving outfield help, Miguel Rojas steadying the infield defense off the bench, and Taylor offering versatility all over, the man who might get squeezed out is free agent Enrique Hernandez.
Vargas and Busch are options to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster, though it might take an injury to facilitate meaningful playing time. One or both of them might also be moved in a deal to acquire more pitching.
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