Chris Taylor was among the Los Angeles Dodgers’ highly regarded free agents as the utilityman is coming off an All-Star season and has been an incredibly valuable contributor for the past five years.
The versatility and contributions Taylor provides led many teams to be interested in his services, including the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Marines, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers, among others.
The Dodgers of course have been part of that picture as well, and they reportedly considered making Taylor a contract extension offer during the season.
Now, the Taylor sweepstakes have come to an end as he reportedly agreed to re-sign with th Dodgers on a multi-year contract, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
Utilityman Chris Taylor agreed on a multiyear deal stay in Los Angeles, according to two people with with knowledge of the situation
The 31-year-old was expected to receive at least a three-year contract with a possible fourth year despite having the qualifying offer attached to him that would cost a draft pick to any club other than the Dodgers.
Taylor is coming off a season in which he hit .254/.344/.438 with 20 home runs, a 113 wRC+ and 3.1 WAR 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.
Taylor’s numbers were brought down by a rough second half as he played through injury, but he was able to find his swing again in the postseason, hitting .351/.419/.784 with four home runs in 11 playoff games.
Taylor has hit .261/.337/.443 with 79 home runs, a 111 wRC+ and 14.5 WAR across 743 games played in his career.
Taylor enjoyed time with Dodgers
After the Dodgers were eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, Taylor reflected on his time with the team but couldn’t say for certain where he’d be playing next season.
“It’s been a lot of fun playing with these guys,” he began. “I’ve loved every minute of it. Definitely disappointed, but it’s been a joy to be part of this team.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. All I can say is I’ve loved every minute I’ve been a Dodger. I have no idea what’s going to happen this offseason, but the last five seasons I’ve been here, it’s been amazing. I’m so thankful I’ve had the opportunity to play for the Dodgers.”
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