In yet another shocking move this week, the Los Angeles Dodgers have released Chris Taylor, one of their longest-tenured players.
Read more: Dodgers Release Chris Taylor, Place Kirby Yates on IL, Bring Back Tommy Edman in Massive Roster Moves
While the move started to feel like a possibility after the Dodgers decided to DFA Austin Barnes on Wednesday, it became a reality on Sunday, prior to the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.
More news: Dodgers Post Tribute Video For Chris Taylor After Releasing Him
A new chapter has officially begun for the Dodgers, with winning remaining the franchise’s top priority. Prior to Sunday’s matchup against the Angels, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman addressed the media.
During the session, he spoke on the organization’s decision to part ways with its two-time World Series champion and 2017 NLCS Co-MVP.
“This has been a very emotional week for all of us,” Friedman said (click here for the full video). “Barnesy and CT have been in the middle of some huge moments for this organization. Both guys have left an indelible mark on our culture and where we’re at this point. So the decisions were incredibly difficult.
“The conversations were tough. But with where we are, the division race, the competition of the roster, everything. We felt like this was in the Dodgers’ best interest in terms of how to win as many games and put us in a position to best win the World Series this year. Doesn’t mean that it was easy. But ultimately felt like it was the right thing to do.”
The Dodgers traded for Taylor from the Seattle Mariners prior to the 2016 MLB trade deadline. It took a while for Taylor to make a name for himself on the Dodgers, but once he did, he became unforgettable.
For nearly a decade, Taylor represented the Dodgers’ heart and hustle, pivotal in shaping the team into the powerhouse it is today. Over the course of nine-plus seasons in Los Angeles, he appeared in more than 1,000 games, posting a .250/.330/.431 slash line with a .761 OPS. He tallied 108 home runs, 423 RBIs, 790 hits, and 480 runs across 3,562 plate appearances.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers activated their 2024 NLCS MVP, Tommy Edman. Edman was on the 10-day injured list after tweaking his right ankle, but recovered more slowly than anticipated. He is finally healthy and ready to contribute to a team that is currently leading the National League West.
Prior to the injury, Edman slashed .252/.295/.523 with eight home runs in 122 plate appearances before the injury.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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