Chris Taylor was among the many Los Angeles Dodgers star players to enter free agency after the 2021 season concluded, but he was the only one to return prior to the MLB lockout beginning in December.
Taylor signed a four-year contract worth a reported $60 million, and the deal includes a team option for 2026. It’s believed he potentially signed for less than what could have been received from a different team in order to remain in L.A.
He told his agent money wasn’t a driving factor for him and after signing, the 31-year-old fan-favorite said he never wanted to leave the Dodgers.
Now, Taylor has been receiving more recognition as Dodgers fans thanked him for choosing to re-sign, via David Vassegh on AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
“I think this time of year, coming off of the postseason run, fans tend to recognize me more than normal. So right after I signed, I did get a few people that would see me where I live near the beach, and expressed their praise or gratitude. That’s always really cool when somebody you don’t know or have never seen before, tells you that they appreciate you staying with the Dodgers. It was pretty awesome.”
Taylor is coming off one of the best seasons of his career where he was named an All-Star and batted .254/.344/.438 with 20 home runs and 113 wRC+ while playing 61 games in center field, 46 at second base, 30 in left field, 23 at shortstop, 11 at third base, and eight in right field.
He was also voted the Dodgers’ winner of the 2021 Heart & Hustle Award, and he was the 16th Roy Campanella Award winner. The organization presents the Roy Campanella Award annually to one player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.
Taylor ranked as top-10 second baseman
While Taylor isn’t necessarily tied to just one position, ESPN’s Buster Olney ranked him as a top-10 second baseman heading into the 2022 season. Olney amassed his annual list by receiving input from evaluators and others around baseball.
Taylor was ranked No. 8 on the list, which is behind Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers (No. 1), Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros, Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves, Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays, Jonathan India of the Cincinnati Reds, Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres, and Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals.
Although Taylor received most of his opportunities in center field last season, Olney listed him as a second baseman due to Corey Seager signing with the Texas Rangers and Trea Turner likely filling the void at shortstop.
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!
