The Los Angeles Dodgers have had the kind of success you’d anticipate after spending more than $1 billion this offseason, with a seven-game lead in the National League West division after the first quarter of the season.
However, while new additions such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, andBlake Snell have exceeded expectations, some other areas of the roster have raised concerns, particularly 2021 All-Star Chris Taylor, who has a.071/.209/.071 slash line with 28 strikeouts in 56 at bats in the third season of a four-year, $60 million deal.
Reflecting on Taylor’s slump for the Los Angeles Times, Jack Harris highlighted the Dodgers’ alternatives, including a drastic one that may become required if things don’t change at the plate.
“The Dodgers do have a few potential options when it comes to Taylor’s roster spot,” Harris said. “The nuclear option would be cutting Taylor outright, and eating the nearly $30 million left on a contract that runs through the end of next season.”
However, Harris stated that this would not be the team’s first or favored decision.
“The likelihood of that, however, still seems relatively slim,” he stated. “The Dodgers dislike giving up on veteran players and taking on dead money. And there is no hint that their tolerance with Taylor’s downturn has already worn thin.”
At this point, it appears more likely that the Dodgers will urge Taylor to work through his troubles in the minor levels, albeit owing to MLB service time requirements, Taylor would have to choose that option. If his issues are caused by an injury, the team may place him on the disabled list and send him to rehab.
However, if neither of those choices appear plausible, the team may struggle to justify keeping a bench slot open for Taylor, who has also experienced a defensive deterioration.
“The Dodgers valued Taylor’s versatility enough to give him a four-year, $60 million contract when he reached free agency following the 2021 season,” Bill Plunkett said for The Orange County Register. “His versatility has decreased with his batting average. Taylor has only played two innings at second base, spending the rest of his time in left field, with (Andy) Pages, (Kiké) Hernandez, and (Miguel) Rojas taking up time at second base or center field that would have gone to Taylor in past years.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers Face a Looming Decision on Chris Taylor’s Roster Spot
The probable return of outfielder Jason Heyward off the injured list could force the Dodgers to make a severe decision. Though he hasn’t been outstanding this season, with a.214/.200/.214 slash line in just 14 at-bats, Heyward appears to be the better upside option than Taylor. If need be, the team may have to part ways with Taylor to make room on the roster.
“Something might have to give at some point — either when (Jayson) Heyward returns, or when other inevitable roster crunches arise later in the year, or if Taylor’s league-worst batting average continues to linger into the summer,” Harris said.
