Dodgers: LA Coach Explains Why Chris Taylor is a ‘Clubhouse Leader’
In what seems like a lifetime ago, the Dodgers re-signed super utility-man Chris Taylor to a four-year, $60M contract that included a fifth-year club option ($12M). CT3 and the Dodgers made the deal before the December 1 lockout.
The Dodgers are fortunate to have many talented players, but Taylor’s positional versatility is the straw that stirs the drink for LA. His ability to seamlessly slide between positions helps the Dodgers unlock the full value of their roster.
According to Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel, Taylor’s contributions go well beyond the box score. Ebel explained on an episode of AM570’s Dodger Talk with David Vassegh.
“He’s a great teammate. Great clubhouse leader. He’s just wants to win, he just comes out, he doesn’t say a whole lot. He’s in the cages, out on the field getting ground balls, he’s a steady player, he’s got great talent. Great clutch hitter and he plays multiple positions.”
Last season, Taylor earned his first ever All-Star selection. In the first half of the year, Taylor posted a .834 OPS and a 130 WRC+. His second half was not as strong (.694 OPS), but CT3 made up for it in the postseason.
Taylor crushed a walk-off two-run home run in the 2021 NL Wild Card game against the St. Louis Cardinals to send the Dodgers to the NLDS. Taylor and the Dodgers would beat the Giants in five games before losing to the Braves in the NLCS.
Ebel expressed how important Taylor is to the Dodgers organization.
“I’m so happy we got this guy back because he means so much to our ball club.”
Depending on what the Dodgers do in free agency, Taylor could play more games than usual at second and third base in addition to the outfield this coming season.
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