Former Dodgers Postseason Hero Trying to Extend MLB Career

Chris Taylor reflects on his final season with the Dodgers as he looks to make the Angels' roster

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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After being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, veteran utility player Chris Taylor is now trying to make the Los Angeles Angels' Opening Day roster on a minor league contract. Taylor, who spent seven seasons with the Dodgers and delivered some memorable postseason moments, is leaning on his past experience as he competes for a bench role with the Angels.

Why it matters

Taylor's situation highlights the challenges veteran players can face in trying to extend their MLB careers, especially after being let go by a team they had long been associated with. His story also provides insight into the Dodgers' roster decisions and the difficult conversations they had in parting ways with long-time contributors like Taylor.

The details

The Dodgers released Taylor last season as part of a one-week span where they also designated Austin Barnes for assignment. Taylor went on to finish the 2025 season with the Angels, but struggled and suffered a broken hand. Now back with the Angels on a minor league deal, Taylor is competing for a bench role and doesn't view his situation any differently than last year when he had to earn a spot with the Dodgers.

  • Taylor was released by the Dodgers last season.
  • Taylor finished the 2025 season with the Angels.
  • Taylor has re-signed with the Angels on a minor league contract for 2026 Spring Training.

The players

Chris Taylor

A veteran utility player who spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, delivering some memorable postseason moments, and is now trying to make the Los Angeles Angels' roster on a minor league contract.

Andrew Friedman

The president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who discussed the difficult decision to release long-time contributors like Taylor and Austin Barnes.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who last spring was uncertain about Taylor's role for the 2025 season but praised his defensive versatility and intangibles.

Yoan Moncada

The third baseman who was re-signed by the Los Angeles Angels, creating a potential opportunity for Taylor to earn a bench role and play multiple positions.

Zach Lee

The former top pitching prospect who was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the deal that brought Chris Taylor to the Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“This has been a very emotional week for all of us. Barnesy and C.T. 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 at this point. So the decisions were incredibly difficult. The conversations were tough, but with where we are, division race, composition of 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 position to best win a World Series this year.”

— Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, Los Angeles Dodgers (si.com)

“I mean, I've got to make a team. But last year, had the same mindset for the Dodgers. I knew there wasn't a guaranteed spot for me. It doesn't really change my focus. It's always been, control what I can control and prepare myself, so I don't know if anything's gonna change with me.”

— Chris Taylor (MLB.com)

What’s next

Should Taylor not make the Angels' Opening Day roster, he has opt-out dates in the Minor League contract of five days before Opening Day, on May 1 and again June 1.

The takeaway

Taylor's journey from postseason hero with the Dodgers to fighting for a roster spot with the Angels underscores the precarious nature of veteran players' careers in MLB, as teams must constantly weigh past contributions against current needs and roster composition. His determination to control what he can control and earn a spot reflects the resilience required to extend a career at this level.