BREAKING NEWS: Dodgers sideline $30 Million ‘shocking boost’ if Former All-Star’s Slump Persists
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ investment of over $1 billion this offseason has yielded expected results, with the team leading the National League West division by seven games after the first quarter of the season.
While new acquisitions like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell are performing exceptionally well, there are concerns in other parts of the roster. Notably, 2021 All-Star Chris Taylor is struggling with a .071/.209/.071 slash line and 28 strikeouts in 56 at-bats, in the third year of his four-year, $60 million contract.
In a Los Angeles Times article, Jack Harris discussed the options available to the Dodgers regarding Taylor’s struggles, including a drastic measure that might be considered if his performance doesn’t improve.
“The Dodgers have several potential options for Taylor’s roster spot,” Harris wrote. “The most extreme would be cutting Taylor and absorbing the nearly $30 million remaining on his contract through next season.”
However, Harris pointed out that this is unlikely to be the team’s first or preferred option.
“The likelihood of that remains relatively low,” he noted. “The Dodgers are not inclined to give up on veteran players or take on dead money, and there is no indication that their patience with Taylor’s slump has worn that thin yet.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers Might Relegate, Rather Than Cut, Chris Taylor Amid Slump
At this juncture, it appears more plausible that the Dodgers could propose Taylor work through his challenges in the minor leagues. However, due to MLB service time regulations, Taylor would need to voluntarily choose this option. Alternatively, if there’s a genuine injury-related cause for his struggles, the team might place him on the injured list followed by a rehabilitation assignment.
Should neither of these avenues appear feasible, the Dodgers might struggle to justify keeping a bench spot open for Taylor, especially considering his declining defensive performance.
“The Dodgers initially prized Taylor’s versatility, leading them to award him a four-year, $60 million contract following the 2021 season,” reported Bill Plunkett for The Orange County Register. “However, this versatility has dwindled alongside his batting average. Taylor has only played two innings at second base, spending the majority of his time in left field, with players like (Andy) Pages, (Kiké) Hernandez, and (Miguel) Rojas taking up positions at second base or in center field that Taylor might have filled in previous seasons.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers Face a Looming Decision on Chris Taylor’s Roster Spot
The imminent return of outfielder Jason Heyward from the injured list could potentially catalyze a significant decision by the Dodgers. Despite his less than stellar performance this season, with a .214/.200/.214 slash line in just 14 at-bats so far, Heyward appears to offer more upside compared to Taylor. If the situation becomes dire, the team might be compelled to part ways with Taylor to create the necessary roster space.
“At some point, something may have to give — whether it’s when (Jayson) Heyward makes his return, during inevitable roster squeezes later in the season, or if Taylor’s league-worst batting average persists into the summer,” Harris remarked.