Former Los Angeles Dodgers infielder and outfielder Chris Taylor shed light on the circumstances surrounding. He disclosed that the announcement became public sooner than he intended. Taylor also shared that an unexpected series of events caused him to make the decision.
The two-time World Series champion was an integral part of the Dodgers in the last decade. He spent the 2026 season with the Salt Lake Bees after re-signing with the Los Angeles Angels on a minor league contract in February.
Multiple news outlets announced Taylor’s retirement on May 22, but he reversed the decision the next day. He again announced his retirement on May 24.
In an interview with David Vassegh on Tuesday, Taylor explained how the retirement news emerged before he planned to announce it formally.
“Yeah, kind of a weird way it happened,” Taylor said. “I mean, long story short, I was at the Salt Lake Bees at the time. I told them that I was done. I got hit by a pitch and fractured my arm first. I don’t think a lot of people know that.”
“But I told them that was probably it for me, I’m going to go home with my family. So I signed the papers, and I think it was voluntary retirement,” he added.
Taylor disclosed that the the organization attempted to keep the news quite temorarily, placing him on the injured list. However, it was too late at that point.
Chris Taylor leaves behind a memorable Dodgers legacy
Chris Taylor’s retirement brings end to an illustrious 12-year MLB career. Originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the fifth round of 2012 MLB draft, Taylor fround his best success with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He arrived in LA via trade on June 19, 2016.
Taylor was the Dodgers’ best utlility player, appearing in multiple infield and outfield positions. His sole All-Star selection came with the club in 2021. Moreover, he was a great postseason performer for LA.
Taylor played four World Series with the Dodgers, winning in 2020 and 2024. Notably, he was the co-NCLS MVP in 2017 with Justin Tuner. He led the team to a 4-1 NLCS victory with .316 average, two home runs and 1.247 OPS.
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