Angels Sign Longtime Dodgers Utility Man in Free Agency

Two-time World Series champion Chris Taylor returns to the Halos on a Minor League deal.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Los Angeles Angels have signed veteran utility player Chris Taylor to a Minor League contract for the 2026 MLB season. Taylor, who spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, played briefly for the Angels in 2025 before being released by the Dodgers and signing with the Halos for the remainder of the year.

Why it matters

Taylor's versatility and defensive skills make him a valuable addition to the Angels' roster, especially when players go down with injuries. His ability to play multiple positions across the infield and outfield will provide the team with much-needed depth and flexibility.

The details

In 2025, Taylor hit only .179/.278/.321 across 90 plate appearances for the Angels, adding two home runs and 10 RBIs. He missed a significant portion of the season due to a left-hand injury after getting hit by a pitch in June, and then broke the same hand while trying to make a defensive play during a rehab assignment in July.

  • Taylor signed a Minor League contract with the Angels on February 13, 2026.
  • In 2025, Taylor played 30 games for the Angels after being released by the Dodgers in May.

The players

Chris Taylor

A 35-year-old utility player who has spent the majority of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning two World Series championships. He signed a Minor League contract with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2026 season.

Jon Heyman

An MLB insider for The New York Post who reported the news of Taylor's signing with the Angels.

Rhett Bollinger

A reporter who stated that Taylor's deal with the Angels is expected to be a Minor League contract.

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What they’re saying

“The Los Angeles Angels are reuniting with Chris Taylor, who also played several years for the Los Angeles Dodgers.”

— Rexwell Villas, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Angels will look to Taylor to provide depth and versatility to their roster, especially if they suffer any injuries during the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Chris Taylor's signing with the Angels highlights the value of versatile utility players in MLB, as his ability to play multiple positions can be a significant asset for a team dealing with injuries or looking to add depth to their roster.