LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost two consecutive games to the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. With Tommy Edman activated on Sunday, the Dodgers released Chris Taylor after nine seasons.
BREAKING : Chris Taylor has been designated for assignment
— Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) May 18, 2025
Changes had to be made by Dave Roberts includingTommy Edman’s activation today, and Teoscar Hernandez returning later this week.@SportingTrib | #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/Ir4pkF2jZu
The longest-tenured position players for the Dodgers, Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes, are no longer on the team. Max Muncy is now the longest-tenured position player on the active roster. With these changes, the Dodgers are prioritizing wins above all else. The desire to repeat as champions has been a prominent topic for the team since the end of last season. Dave Roberts has been vocal about reinforcing the message to his players daily, emphasizing the importance of staying hungry for success.
Taylor, 34, joined the Dodgers in 2016 after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners, where he had played for three years. During his time with the Dodgers, he has appeared in 1,007 games and has had several memorable moments in a Dodgers uniform, particularly during the postseason. In 80 postseason games with the Dodgers, Taylor has a batting average of .247, nine home runs, and an OPS of .791.
This was one of Chris Taylor's biggest plays during Game 7 of the 2017 NLCS against the Brewers, showcasing his glove skills.@SportingTrib | #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/MVivQiTFe5
— Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) May 18, 2025
This season, Taylor has had 35 at-bats, batting .200 with no home runs and two RBIs in 28 games. Over his last five games with the Dodgers this season, Taylor was 2-for-11 with three strikeouts.
Taylor had an impressive tenure with the Dodgers, winning two World Series rings. He was named an All-Star in 2021 and shared the title of co-MVP of the 2017 NLCS with Justin Turner.
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman spoke to the media before Sunday's game against the Angels, who have won the first two games of the series.
“This has been a very emotional week for all of us,” Friedman said. “Barnes and CT have been in the middle of some huge moments for this organization. Both guys have left an incredible mark on our culture and where we’re at this point.”
Friedman discussed how challenging it was to have conversations with Taylor and Barnes. However, he emphasized that ultimately, it’s about assembling the best team possible to win as many games as they can.
“The conversations were tough, but with where we are, the division race, the composition of the roster, everything,” Friedman said. “We felt like this was in the Dodgers’ best interest in terms of how to win as many games and put us in a position to best win the World Series this year.”
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim (6) singles during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium.
Most people expected Hyeseong Kim to be sent back down to Oklahoma City, but after 14 games, the Dodgers have decided that he belongs in the big leagues. Kim is batting .452 with one home run, five runs batted in, and an impressive 1.065 OPS since joining the Dodgers. He has demonstrated his value not only with his offensive skills but also with his defense on the field and speed on the base paths, contributing three stolen bases. Kim has proven to be a significant asset for the team, giving the Dodgers no choice but to keep him due to his outstanding performance.