Chris Taylor

Chris+Taylor

Cole Brandt, Writer

Chris Taylor is a talented professional baseball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Taylor was born on August 29, 1990, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He attended the University of Virginia, where he played college baseball and helped lead the team to the College World Series in 2011. 

The Seattle Mariners drafted Taylor in the fifth round of the 2012 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. He spent several years playing in the Mariners’ minor league system before making his MLB debut in 2014. However, it was not until he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 that he truly began to shine. 

Since joining the Dodgers, Taylor has established himself as one of the team’s most versatile and valuable players. He has played several positions on the field, including infielder, outfielder, and even pitcher in emergency situations. His ability to play multiple positions has made him an incredibly valuable asset for the Dodgers, as it allows them to mix and match their lineup and make strategic substitutions during games. 

Offensively, Taylor has also been a key contributor for the Dodgers. He is a career 0.262 hitter with an impressive 0.788 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage), and he has hit 65 home runs in his career so far. He is also known for his speed on the bases, having stolen 67 bases in his career. 

Perhaps Taylor’s most memorable moment as a Dodger came in Game 5 of the 2017 National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Chicago Cubs. With the Dodgers trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Taylor hit a game-tying home run off Cubs closer Wade Davis. The Dodgers went on to win the game and clinch the NLCS, earning Taylor the nickname “CT3” and cementing his place in Dodgers lore. 

Taylor’s ability to contribute in so many different ways has made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles. He is known for his gritty play and his willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win. His versatility and strong work ethic make him an ideal role player for the Dodgers, and he has become a critical part of the team’s success in recent years. 

In conclusion, Chris Taylor is a valuable and versatile player for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In recent years, his pivotal role in the team’s success can be attributed to his remarkable versatility in playing various positions on the field and his significant offensive contributions. Dodgers fans will undoubtedly continue to appreciate Taylor’s gritty play and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

 

Sources

Taylor, Chris. (2022). Chris Taylor – MLB News, Rumors, & Updates. Chris Taylor – MLB News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports. https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/chris-taylor-player 

Taylor, C. (2020). Chris Taylor stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more. Baseball. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tayloch03.shtml