Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman Reveals Rationale Behind Chris Taylor Release
In yet another shocking move this week, the Los Angeles Dodgers have released Chris Taylor, one of their longest-tenured players.
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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Good Luck to both Taylor and Barnes, great team players but it’s time. Neither were contributors any longer and it’s about winning in sports (baseball) – nothing more. I’ve called for Taylor to be released/DFA’d since last year and it’s about time. I wish them both continued success elsewhere.
Two great Dodgers forever but father time is undefeated and untied. Sad to see them go but appreciate everything that they contributed to make the Dodgers the best in MLB. New Orleans Dodger
Both could help the Rockies
It is unfortunate that they can’t DFA Friedman for signing Snell and Glasnow. He is the reason that this team is in the mess it is in currently. 60+ million a year to sit around and play catch.
Yeah, OK. But the whole thing is a crap shoot. Friedman whiffed on Conforto, Snell, and probably Glasnow (who did give the Ds many wins last year). But he scored on Edman, Teo, Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Kim, Yamamoto, Sasaki (yet to be determined) and a revolving bullpen that always seems to bail us out. Friedman makes some bad calls, but that is the game when you are dealing with the massive variance that accompanies human beings. Overall, I think he is borderline brilliant.
Harold Smith, totally agree.
Where does Friedman always think that these pitchers with a constant injury history are going to all of a sudden be healthy. The Dodgers just throw money away. If you ever watch/listen to a Friedman interview, I’m not impressed anyway. Maybe it’s an ivy league thing?
Should have gotten Max Fried (a Cali guy) instead of Snell (often injured), and Corbin Burnes (stud) instead of Glasnow ( Mr. Softee). Big mistakes.
2 players for the dodgers that gave everything they had and left it all on the field. They were both responsible for many great moments in dodger history and we were lucky we had them for as long as we did. Thank you and best wishes to Sam (Barnes) and CT3 (Taylor).
Yet another really sad day for most Dodger fans. The team isn’t living up to expectations and Taylor wasn’t the only one not helping much. How about Snell and Glasnow, or even Friedman for continuing to invest and trust constantly injured mega-deal players? Or Roberts for his seemingly endless questionable calls? There are those who expect the team to win every day and, I admit, I might be one of those. But players like Barnes and Taylor contribute far more than statistics may show. It is why intangibles like these make baseball not only the greatest sport, but also one of the cruelest. I am going miss them as much as I miss all the other Dodger memorable legends like Vinny and Tommy. RIP Barnsey and CT3.
It’s VERY sad to see Barnes and Taylor released… I understand it’s a BUSINESS, after all, but I think they both contributed much more than the statistics show… It’s probably part of the reason that the Angels swept this week… When the heart hurts, as I’m sure it did, in the locker room and dugout… it’s hard to perform to the maximum.. I hope they both sign with other teams, so that THEY can decide when it’s time to go… As wonderful as baseball is, it’s also very cruel…
I get so frustrated when I see Conforto and Outman playing for the team and they just cannot hit. I have mentioned it before why has Friedman not brought up Ryan Ward from AAA he is batting .319 with 9 home runs while Conforto and Outman are below the Mendoza line. Give Ward a chance. He has a hot bat. Do not let him rot in the minors. Play him or trade him for pitching. Taylor has been not been hitting well for the last few years. The team made the right move. Barnes, I could had gone either way but I understand getting a young catcher more MLB experience. I think Barnes will make a great manager. Both Taylor and Barnes have had a nice career with the Dodgers.
Baseball is CRUEL Sometimes! And,— last Week’s Moves to Release Taylor and Barnes attest to that Dynamic. Truth is– we need Players who can be counted on OFFENSIVELY. These Men were NO LONGER CONSISTENT Contributors Offensively, and were often DEAD WOOD when their BATS were so UNPRODUCTIVE! Both Men made valuable Contributions to the Dodgers years ago. But in the past few Years, they were BOTH UNABLE on too many occasions, —to help the Team to win, and too OFTEN, did NOT DELIVER at PIVOTAL times. Both Men will be EXCELLENT Choices for Management Positions in the FUTURE. But– for now, they HAD to be REELEASED. Good Luck to Chris and Austin!! Here’s to new Pathways for them in the Future!
My heart is crushed. My beloved Dodgers won’t be the same without my sweet Chris Taylor. I am devistated.
It’s going to be hard to go to my place of worship with Chris gone. Shame on you Andrew
you just lost 4 games straight – maybe a curse?
Dear Suzanne,
Bless your heart BUT CT3 hasn’t been an offensive contributor for the past 2 1/2 years and the goal of playing baseball is to win. Friendship comes 2nd; Winning is Everything.