Dodgers Veteran Chris Taylor Signs with Angels Amid Center Field Struggles

After being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, longtime utility player Chris Taylor has signed a major league contract with the Los Angeles Angels and is set to start immediately in center field. Taylor, a two-time World Series champion and 2021 All-Star with the Dodgers, struggled with injuries and offensive production in recent seasons, leading to his release despite maintaining consistent bat speed. The Angels, currently trailing the division-leading Seattle Mariners by four games and coping with injuries to key players like Mike Trout, view Taylor as a veteran presence who can help stabilize their lineup. The move reunites Taylor with a Southern California team and gives him a fresh opportunity after spending nearly a decade with the Dodgers. Financially, the Dodgers will still owe Taylor the majority of his contract, while the Angels will pay only the prorated major league minimum. Taylor's versatility and postseason experience are expected to benefit the Angels as they aim to improve their playoff chances in the competitive AL West.