Former Los Angeles Dodger Chris Taylor signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels at the start of the 2026 season.
Taylor was signed to a minor league contract, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, just days after he became a free agent.
He did not make the Opening Day roster with the Angels, leading him to opt out of the deal that he signed with Anaheim over the offseason.
However, after seemingly exploring his options, Taylor is back and headed to Triple-A, hoping for a chance to prove himself as a major leaguer again.
Taylor slashed .231.388/.410 in 15 Cactus League games, a lot better than he has over the last two years, which saw him finish with a 66 OPS+, well below league average.
He has never wavered in his belief that he will get another chance, even during his time as a free agent over the offseason before the Angels came calling — retirement was never on the table.
“Oh no, I’m still playing,” Taylor said on Dodger Talk with David Vassegh. “Don’t pull the cord on me yet, Vassegh. No, I’m still playing. I’m down here in Arizona working out.
“Um, you know, I… I don’t know where it’s going to be yet, obviously with free agency being the way it is, but, um, I will be playing again this coming season.”
Taylor battled through a broken arm in 2025 with the Angels, playing a role in his career-worst 55 OPS+.
The Angels’ roster is far from strong overall, and Taylor, if he does have anything left in the tank, should get back to the majors and show that he can still help an MLB team in 2026.
Chris Taylor’s legacy with the Dodgers
Taylor is a legend for the Dodgers, known as one of the many success stories during the Andre Friedman era. He was discovered by Friedman and Taylor has gone on to become a quality player.
He has helped the Dodgers win two World Series titles and take home the NLCS MVP award in 2017.
Additionally, Taylor ended up making an All-Star team, making the most out of his six-foot, 196-wiry frame as a major leaguer.
He played all over the diamond for the Dodgers, and fans cherish his clutch hits during pivotal postseason moments.
