Super utility player Chris Taylor is drawing interest from various teams and could sign in the coming days, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (Twitter links). He lists the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Mariners, Angels and Nationals as teams that have been in recent contact with Taylor’s camp. The current CBA expires at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, December 1, leading to a frenzy of transactions in recent days as teams are trying to tick items of their to-do lists before the lockout and transaction freeze that are expected to follow. Morosi says that Taylor could sign by Wednesday, potentially getting in just under the wire.
The fact that various teams are interested in Taylor’s services is no surprise, given his extreme defensive versatility. Over his career, Taylor has spent time at every position on the diamond except for catcher, pitcher and first base. In 2021, he appeared in at least eight games at six different positions, and more than 23 games at four different spots. He’s also been an above-average contributor on the offensive side of the game for five consecutive seasons now, by measure of wRC+. Over those five years, he has hit 78 home runs, stolen 50 bases and hit .265/.343/.461 for a wRC+ of 116. The combination of those factors makes it hard to imagine a team that wouldn’t be upgraded by adding Taylor to supplant the least-productive non-catcher in their lineup and slotting him into whatever position they happen to play.
Taking all this under consideration, as well as the fact that Taylor rejected a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, MLBTR predicted Taylor could earn himself a contract of four years and $64MM, AAV of $16MM. However, the free agent market has been quite robust so far, with the majority of players outearning their projections as teams seem to be rushing to get business done before this week’s expected lockout and subsequent transaction freeze. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Taylor, 31, surpass that estimate, either in length or dollars.
The Dodgers are a fairly logical suitor, given that they’ve been utilizing Taylor’s skills for the past five-plus seasons. Although they still have one more season of Trea Turner, whom they acquired at the trade deadline, they’ve also just seen Corey Seager sign on with the Texas Rangers. At the moment, Gavin Lux would probably be pencilled in as the second baseman, but he also has positional versatility and could be bumped into a bench/utility role. In the outfield, Mookie Betts and AJ Pollock should have two spots accounted for, with Cody Bellinger likely taking up a third. But after Bellinger’s miserable 2021 campaign, adding Taylor could provide some insurance in case he can’t bounce back to his MVP-winning form from a couple years ago.
Just like the Dodgers, the Blue Jays have also just watched one of their best players depart for Texas, as Marcus Semien is now a Ranger as well. Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have two infield spots spoken for, with Cavan Biggio, Santiago Espinal and Breyvic Valera on hand as options for second or third base. Taylor could potentially take Semien’s spot and bump everyone else down on the depth chart.
The Mariners have already brought Adam Frazier into their infield mix this week, but seem determined to add more. Morosi lists Taylor, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez as infielders they are considering. Baez has since reportedly signed with the Tigers, but Taylor and Bryant both make sense as potential adds at third base, with Abraham Toro then platooning with Frazier at second. Taylor also started his career in Seattle before moving to the Dodgers, which would make for a nice homecoming story. The club has been aggressive in trying to build on a strong 2021 campaign, having also added Robbie Ray in recent days.
Just like Seattle, their division rivals in Anaheim have also been active in gearing up for 2022. They’ve added pitchers Noah Syndergaard, Michael Lorenzen and Aaron Loup, as well as acquiring infielder Tyler Wade from the Yankees. Taylor would be an upgrade over Wade or David Fletcher for the middle infield, as well as providing insurance for an outfield with a few unproven options, as youngsters Brandon Marsh and Jo Adell have shown promise but haven’t locked down jobs just yet.
The Nationals winning the bidding would be a surprise, given that they underwent a huge fire sale at the trade deadline and have been fairly inactive so far this offseason. But they seem determined to avoid a lengthy rebuild and will be aiming to return to contention while they still have the elite production of Juan Soto, whom they control for three more seasons. Other than Soto and Josh Bell, there’s almost no certainty in the team’s lineup, making it very easy for Taylor to be slotted in.
There’s one team that’s apparently not in the mix, however, as Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports that the Red Sox don’t seem to be heavily involved.
I thought this move made a lot of sense for the Phillies. Unless they have a trade lined up for CF help.
I’m hearing Kiermaier, but there are still holes to fill that Taylor would fit into. Not sure about giving up a draft pick for him. If we have to give up the pick I would prefer it for Story or Correa (obviously).
Yep
i dunno, id honestly rather do it for Taylor. Correa and Story should cost more and have serious warts.
The Phillies OF need outweighs their SS need.
Taylor theoretically solves either depending on what else they add.
Taylor is solid in almost every position he plays in the field. If memory serves, his defensive metrics are less impressive at SS (smaller size caveat).
Continuing the small sample size, he was more valuable to the Dodgers in 2021 than Corey Seager.
i would say the Angels but they only pick up free agents who haven’t played in 2 seasons
I’ve been screaming for Chris Taylor for the Angels– he’s affordable, and versatile. Gives you an extra outfielder either as a starter or a 4th guy. He can play second or short. And he’s not going to break the bank like the others. No way I give Seager a 10 year deal for $325MM. He’s one back tweak away from missing half a season– he can’t stay on the field. Look at the past four years games played.
The rise of Thor
You better hope so. Right now the Angels two pitching adds are coming of injuries. I’ve got to believe they are trying to land Stroman. They desperately need a front end guy who will give them 200 innings. And maybe they go after Rodon as well? Ohtani, Stroman, Rodon, Syndergaard, Sandoval, and Lorenzen would be strong. And they already have depth with Suarez, Detmers, Canning, Barria, Junk etc.
Taylor is a long term solution and they have players in the pipeline.. Reason #2 is the Angels need to be careful I. Committing a lot of money for 2023. They are going to have a lot of plAyers hit arbitration, not the least of who is Ohtani.
They have more money this year than next year.
Kingery is going to be our starting CF next season.
Boston please !!!
Red Sox already have Kiki doing the same thing. MLBTR estimates Taylor will cost $64mil. Why would you bring in a much more expensive version, who strikes out way more.
Kiké play most off the time in CF!! Arroyo in2B
Please Please for the love of God. Do not sign Zack Crapzart 2.0 aka Chris Taylor
Chris taylor has been much better than Cozart.
Not good comparison.
Do you really expect someone calling a player “Crapzart” to make a good comparison?
If the Angels are going to sign a stop gap to play SS, sign Galvis. Taylor is not a long term solution at SS. His homers, would go down the same with his OPS. Playing in AL West vs the NL West. The Angels decided to sign Cozart over Moustakas and that turned out to be a bad decision. I’d rather the Angels sign Story vs signing Taylor.
The Angels have three shortstop prospects.
I’m all for bringing Simmons back on a one year deal. I don’t know if he burned bridges, but he seems like a good on paper stop gap.
Our prospects are years away. Paris and Jackson are both at least three years away. They have a couple of other kids that are very promising, but they are 4-5 years from being a serious option. We are very short on major league ready prospects.
First of all Story is going to be three times the cost of Taylor, and secondly Taylor most likely would play second and right or left field. Fletcher would play short. You just need him to be league average or better on both sides of the ball– and he is. And he’s affordable. And he can be plugged in anywhere just like Ben Zobrist. He’s very valuable and a bargain.
You should really read fangraphs. They have their expected ready date, unless of course you think 2024 is years away.
Taylor is going to be a four year deal.
Not even remotely similar players
Cozart??? That’s the wrong comp and one that’s never been made until mentioned above.
The correct, often used comp is Zobrist. Similar hit stats and defensive versatility.
He’d be a great fit for the Angels as regular SS/2B with Fletcher also able to make some spot starts at 3B/OF. Maddon would love this guy.
Villar could give the Angels the same flexibility as Taylor. No he isn’t as good on defense. Could give the Angels the same production with the bat. But a lot cheaper. Also no draft pick attached to him. Soto, Perish, and Jackson are not that far from the big leagues. Soto, closer than the other two. They could also just play Captain Jack at SS. Pitching is more of a need than Taylor.
Where are you getting your information? Paris is at least three years away from being a legitimate major league shortstop. He’s small and developing his body. Soto isn’t even an option– he hit .218 with an OB of .293. He is 6′ and 160lbs– all glove and no hit and most likely will be thrown into a future trade package. Jackson lost a year of development with Covid and was injured most of last season. He is 2-3 years away at best. Arol Vera is very promising, but the kid is only 18– he’s 4-5 years away.
Crapzart? What are you 12?
Well, 12yos do have access to the internet so….
You do understand they need either a shortstop or second baseman, and they need an outfielder– this guy plays all those positions. he had 20 homers, .344 on base, and he hits in the clutch. They need league average or better at every position and that’s what Taylor provides… and he does it at a bargain cost compared to all the high priced shortstops. 3-years $48MM.
Lot of horrible contracts being handed out. I could easily see Taylor getting 4/80M
No way. 15-17 per, and maybe a desperate team gives him a 4th year. Angels may have to pay the price, but it’s still far cheaper than splurging for a mega contract. Locking yourself in on 10-year deals is insane and doesn’t work.
Jays make sense, but ideally they sign or trade for a lefty or a switch hitter for the 2B/3B spot.
Mets
No way the Mets are signing a player with a QO attached. They are not giving up the #14 pick when they need to build the farm. The one Boras client who may regret rejecting the QO is Conforto. I haven’t heard anything about him and it looks like he’ll have to wait until after the lockout.
I would prefer if Toro was not a member of any platoon. Don’t need to see much of him of Moore next season.
Next steps should be one of Bryant/Story and then one of Castellanos/Suzuki/Conforto. My guess is that one of Story/Bryant gets done today, and we’ll see on the outfielders in a couple months.
Story to Seattle might be happening sooner than expected…
Why the hate on Toro? He hit great. I can understand “No Moore, no more,” but Toro did well.
Toro hit well for about two weeks, and then proceeded to end the season with a .367 slugging percentage as a Mariner. Not a good fielder either, so just not somebody who should be playing often on a team that claims to be contending. He and Moore are decent enough bench players, but not great.
I don’t know why so many Mariners fans are under the impression that Toro was above average last year. He did not hit well after the initial honeymoon phase and his defense was subpar at best. I still think he would be fine as a platoon but he’s not an everyday starter.
I think you are selling Toro a little short. He was just as hot before the M’s traded for him and the weeks after. He was also playing 2nd base for really the first time in his career. I have faith that more work with Perry Hill he will be much improved in 2022, much like France going from a mediocre 1B to near elite by the end of 2021.
I believe Toro’s will be best playing a utility role at 2nd, 3rd, and 1B and a switch hitter off the bench.
Gotta give toro a break my dude, he got dealt played out of position. I think you’ll see him rebound nicely this year. I still want Taylor/Bryant/Suzuki though
Jerry said they’d like to get Toro around 400 PAs next season, which suggests a part-time role, probably moving him around.
I can see the appeal, but I think some people, and some GMs, are looking at Taylor as a more robust version of K. Hernandez. But, imo, it isn’t the same thing. When they talk about Taylor’s defensive flexibility, it’s more like he owns a lot of gloves. With Hernandez, it’s more like he owns two Gold Gloves. And Hernandez is one year younger, and receiving a 2-year contract, while Taylor is one year older and looking for four years.
I think teams will regret this signing after the first tow years.
He’d be a great Semien replacement. Add him to play second and then bring in a lefty like Schwarber or Rosario and the majority of their heavy lifting is done.
But play Schwarber or Rosrio where?
The last thing the Jays need is more outfielders
Also I like Taylor, but I don’t thing he helps the Jays that much.
Give them the Dickerson role and the DH spot is always open for one of them or Gurriel. I’m assuming they’ll find a way to dump Grichuk anyways which would increase playing time.
They’ve been actively trying to dump Grichuk for over 2 years and haven’t managed it yet.
I’m not sure that’s true. No reason to suspect they wouldn’t have been able to trade him after his pretty decent 2020 season. Fans expected him to be traded after the Springer trade but doesn’t mean they actually tried, I’m sure if they did they would have been able to, players with less value at less important positions have been dealt
And as much as we all dump on him, he really bailed the jays out the beginning of last year when Springer went down.
No sure any of those guys make sense tbh. Is Taylor that much of an increase over espinal
Or Biggio compared to the price to acquire?
Schwarber/ Rosario only make sense if they move lourdes or teo, otherwise you need your 4th OF to be able to play CF
Problem is neither Biggio nor Taylor is much good at third base. Not good to have Espinal be the only one who can play there without the starting pitcher pretending to be sick. I’d rather have somebody who’s solid at third, and let Espinal and Biggio be the utility guys (or whoever hits can claim 2B).
So… You don’t think that Espinal plays a solid 3rd base, even tho he hit .311 on the year and had a robust fielding percentage ? As a player making shy of $1mm a year, he’s a steal that at least 20 other mlb teams would fight to have.
Of course Espinal plays a solid 3B. But he’s also good all over the field so he’s more valuable that way, and I’d rather not have the only 3B option be a guy with less than 300 career at bats and has so little power or speed that he has to hit .300 to be contributing. It’s a whole lot better scenario to have him as superutility. I hope he’ll hit .300 again, but you can’t build a team on that assumption.
I am surprised the Yankees have not signed him.
Oooos, look, the author spelled Yankees wrong a couple times, “ Dodgers, Blue Jays, Mariners, Angels and Nationals”
That’s for 4/64MM? I don’t know what his lefty/righty splits are to say he’s the starting CF if Hicks is actually upright. A fine ballplayer, though. Since we’re stuck with Gary for now at catcher, and Voit got tendered, it’s possible that’s the only thing that could happen pre-lockout. He has a pain in the ass at bat ability we haven’t had since a young Gardner.
Oh no, No Taylor !!!! Come On Jays !!!! Among all the talent you always have to settle for less ?
Why can’t you just sign s Bryant or even Correa, George former teammate to play 3B. Will you guys ever send some dollars ?
The Rangers just paid Seager and Semien !
I mean, 6 years and $170 M with an option should be enough to get Bryant and is not like going 2 or 3 figures !
There are maybe 2-3 SS in the league that it would make sense to move Correa out of position and Bo is not one of them.
Jays aren’t signing Correa, they are better off over spending in prospects to get Jram then handing out 350 million to an injury risk
IF, which the Jays are not, but if they signed Correa, Bichette moves to 2B. Correa isn’t moving to :3rd.
6 years 170 for Bryant?!?! Terrible contract idea. I pity the foolish team that signs that deal!
@to4
We are very fortunate you’re not managing the Jays. And will they “ever spend some dollars”? They’ve already signed two players to $100+ mil deals this off-season.
And one last year.
I’ve historically been critical of Rogers as an owner, but the last few years they have opened up the piggy bank, there’s no denying it
None of them hit left handed
Taylor would be a good add for many teams at 4/70 but I wouldn’t go beyond that.
Perfect fit for all teams but especially good if he NG/Jeter can get him to Miami.
Plus Schwarber or Rosario and start adding lots of BP help.
Put a bow on a great off-season
Miami would be perfect for Taylor’s agent.. To help drive up interest and the price to sign elsewhere.
Taylor career year and should be a super utility guy, but the 167 K’s last year are concerning. I would snatch up Leury Garcia same numbers a less power, but better overall fielder playing all OF, 3B, SS and 2B for the CWS last year., switch hitter…..not to mention he made $3.5M, so probably 2 or 3 year $14-$18M to sign him.
The Dodgers need to trade Belinger while they can get something for him.
I can see why you aren’t running a baseball team.
Yeah let’s trade him coming off a terrible season while his value is in the toilet, playoff renaissance aside. Great idea.
Taylor’s exactly what Shapiro looks for in a player. I imagine the Jays will be after him pretty hard.
For a team like Toronto who used basically the same lineup all year, having a player like Taylor might confuse Montoyo
Lol I laughed
Don’t sleep on Seattle. They still have a need for CF. Signing Taylor would allow them to stick him in CF with Toro at 3B until Julio debuts, then reassess and possibly have Taylor play 3B more regularly.
I could see them going after Kiermaier
I could see that too, but I doubt that’s plan A or B.
What?!? No Cardinals?
Dodger’s wake up and sign Taylor before it is too late. He has and will be so valuable for the TEAM in so many ways.
Angels need a starting SS and Taylor’s marks there aren’t great. Plus signing him to play one spot takes away from his versatility which is a huge part of his value.
I’d like to add him, just not sure of the fit.
They’ll move Fletcher to short and play Tyler Wade at second. They can play Taylor in right. Adell is not ready and is being dangled as trade bait. If Wade doesn’t cut it as an every day second baseman they can move Taylor to second. He can play all over the diamond– including center field. A very valuable player that is affordable. Perfect for the Angels and affordable.
I’ve watched a lot of Tyler Wade. He’s a great bench piece, and if someone goes on the IL for a minor thing he can fill in for a bit. Solid at SS, okay in a corner OF, shaky at second defensively. Don’t pencil him in as a starter, for your own sanity.
$100m for Taylor, everyones getting it!
Not even close– at most he gets $60MM, and I don’t think he gets that.
With the loss of Seager, the Dodgers need to resign Taylor – his value on the field and n the clubhouse has been proven. His versatility makes signing him almost the same as signing multiple players.
They won’t– he’s gone.
If they haven’t already, they’re not going to.
The Astros needs are shortstop and potentially centerfield, which Taylor could fill nicely. I think 16 or 17 mill for three years would be fair.
At last, a writer who hasn’t tried to sugarcoat Bellinger’s poor performance. “Bellinger’s miserable 2021 campaign” tells it straight forward, without the numerous worn out excuses most writers throw in as a lame coverup. Bellinger stinks and until he improves he IS miserable. Thank you, Darragh McDonald.
Bellinger was recovering from a shoulder injury– that’s not an excuse, that’s reality. He did not have time to rebuild flexibility and strength. You saw him start to come alive in the playoffs. he didn’t forget how to hit. I’d take him in a second. Major candidate for huge rebound year– and I hate the Dodgers.
And a leg fracture.
Hey guys, he still stinks regardless of the realty. This writer said it straight forward and I appreciate reading it that way. The playoffs was just a small sampling. Let’s see how Bellinger rebounds in 2022 before we jump on the bandwagon of full recovery. Don’t get me wrong, I wish him Godspeed, but right now, especially for all the analysts out there, Bellinger stinks.,
Shoulders are very difficult and take time. Yes, the playoffs were a small sampling, but he was getting better. A kid his age doesn’t go from nipping at trout’s heals for best player to being a DFA candidate– and that’s how he has played. My guess is he’s spending his off season strengthening his shoulder.
Any argument that includes “regardless of reality” can be safely ignored.
Blu Skies – Right… I suppose you think he had a banner year. I’m talking what he did in 2021. That is the only reality of the entire comment. You people are trying to uphold a reputation that no longer exists. Like I said, I do wish him well, but for now he is a sub-standard hitter with a LONG way to go to get back to where he was. Yes, he got hurt, but yes, his numbers still stink and will be forever etched in stone for 2021.
You can’t suppose anything about what I think, but from what I’ve seen you probably should stick to believing in that “regardless of reality” stuff. Seems you are good at it.
I guess I shouldn’t suppose what you think. You are one of those goofy fans who are loyally blind to your favorite team. Not being able to see or admit that Bellinger now stinks proves that. Take off those stinkin’ blinders, boy!
Good job sticking to it.
As a ma fan, don’t want Taylor. We had him once he sucked. I like torro.
Genius. He wasn’t good in Seattle, and then went somewhere else and blossomed, so you don’t want him back. Pure genius. I heard he wasn’t good in Little League either– so Taylor is out!
No he was a product of the environment. He comes back here again he’ll suck.
He’ll sign with a team that has a chance to win. 3 years 60 million.
OH MAN.
3 years at 45 mill
In this market I think he gets 4 years easy. I’m thinking an AAV north of 15… closer to 17-18.
Braves should sign him just so they don’t have to oppose him! chop killer!
I think 4/72 (18 AAV) gets it done to keep Taylor in Dodgerville.
I was hoping for the Jays to target him as their everyday 2B but I think his price is starting tonkngkate too much.
A good deal less than that I imagine but it isn’t clear that the Dodgers are planning on spending anywhere close to that much on anyone this year.