TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels are bringing back veteran utilityman Chris Taylor after his stint with the club last year, as he signed a Minor League deal and reported to camp on Friday.
Taylor, 35, joined the club as a free agent last year after he was released by the Dodgers in May and batted .179/.278/.321 with two homers, five doubles and 10 RBIs in 30 games. He had tough luck with the Angels, breaking his left hand twice after being hit by a pitch in June and breaking it again on a diving attempt in the outfield on a rehab assignment in late July. But he’s fully healthy now and excited for another opportunity.
“For me, it felt like a good fit last year,” Taylor said. “I enjoyed my time here, liked the guys, good experience. Get to live at home in Manhattan Beach. It just felt right.”
Taylor, though, remains a versatile defender, as he saw action at second base, third base and all three outfield positions last year. The 35-year-old also has a career .248./.327/.419 slash line with 110 homers, 200 doubles and 443 RBIs in 1,123 games in 12 seasons with the Mariners, Dodgers and Angels. He also has a career .791 OPS in 80 postseason games and won the World Series in 2020 and '24 with the Dodgers.
“He brings a ton of experience, and big-game experience,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “It’s good to have him around the guys. The guy's a pro. I played against him for a number of years. I’ve always admired what he does on the field for teams. His versatility comes to mind. He plays everywhere.”
The Angels currently have fellow utilitymen Oswald Peraza and Vaughn Grissom competing to make the Opening Day roster, and both are of out of Minor League options. Christian Moore is the favorite to win the second base job, but he has others pushing him, such as Peraza and Grissom and non-roster signing Nick Madrigal.
The Angels also could look to the free agent market to further bolster their infield, as Adam Frazier and Ramón Urías are among those unsigned. Either would be a fit, especially Frazier because he hits from the left side. But it’s unclear if the club is willing to meet either’s salary demands.
Taylor now figures into the mix as a player who can play all over the diamond, including center field, which gives the Angels another option as they look at their current possibilities at that spot. Those include Jo Adell, Mike Trout, Bryce Teodosio and Josh Lowe, who was acquired in a trade with the Rays in January. They also signed Jose Siri to a Minor League deal, and he’ll get a look in center this spring, as well.
Taylor also gives Los Angeles some insurance at third base, as the team brought back Yoán Moncada on a one-year deal worth $4 million, but he has dealt with injuries in recent years. The Angels also signed veteran Jeimer Candelario to a Minor League deal to increase their depth at the hot corner.
Taylor said he hasn’t been told where he’ll see most of his action just yet, but that he feels comfortable anywhere they put him. He also said he’s looking to put last year behind him because of the injuries he sustained and his struggles at the plate. He feels he’s now in a better place and ready to contribute.
“When I was on the field, I feel like I could have been better,” Taylor said. “I didn't perform the way I expected to perform. But like, two broken hands is kind of a freak thing. I don't know if there's anything I can do about that. So just trying to prepare my body to get everything right. And hopefully when I'm out there, I take advantage of an opportunity.”
Taylor said it’s the first time he’s been on a Minor League deal but that it doesn’t change his mentality. He had to earn his spot with the Dodgers last spring despite being on the 40-man roster, so it’s not much different this year.
“I mean, I’ve got to make a team,” Taylor said. “But last year, had the same mindset for the Dodgers. I knew there wasn't a guaranteed spot for me. It doesn't really change my focus. It’s always been, control what I can control and prepare myself, so I don't know if anything's gonna change with me.”