Baseball

Chris Taylor Retires After 12 Impactful Seasons in MLB with Dodgers

by
Richard Hayes
May 23, 2026

Chris Taylor has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after a remarkable 12-year career, primarily spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His departure was confirmed through the MiLB transactions page, marking the end of an era for a player who made significant contributions to his teams, including a stint with the Los Angeles Angels’ Triple-A affiliate.

Most notably, Taylor was a key figure in the Dodgers’ recent history, helping lead the franchise to two World Series titles. The first came in 2020 when the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in a thrilling six-game series, capturing their first championship in over three decades. Taylor added a second title in 2024, when Los Angeles triumphed over the New York Yankees in a five-game series.

In addition to his World Series accolades, Taylor enjoyed a standout postseason in 2017, earning co-National League Championship Series MVP honors alongside teammate Justin Turner. During that series against the Chicago Cubs, he delivered an impressive performance, posting a 1.221 OPS, driving in three runs, and hitting two home runs, which propelled the Dodgers to their first World Series appearance in 29 years.

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of the University of Virginia, Taylor began his career with the Seattle Mariners. After two and a half seasons in Seattle, he was traded to the Dodgers in June 2016 in exchange for pitcher Zach Lee. Taylor enjoyed a decade-long tenure with Los Angeles before being released during his tenth season. He briefly signed with the Angels as a free agent in 2025, but after being released in March, he returned to the organization and concluded his career in the minor leagues with the Salt Lake Bees.

Over his career, Taylor amassed 860 hits, 110 home runs, 516 runs scored, and 443 runs batted in, alongside 91 stolen bases. His only All-Star selection came in 2021, capping off a career filled with impactful moments and memories for fans and teammates alike.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.