After Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor has also left the Los Angeles Dodgers. A bright signal has been lit for Kim Hye-sung's competition for the starting position.
Major League Baseball's official website, MLB.com, reported on the 19th that 'the Los Angeles Dodgers have activated Tommy Edman, a key resource in the lineup, from the injured list, and due to the roster changes, they released Chris Taylor, who had served as the team's utility man for a long time.'
Taylor, a key player in the Dodgers' World Series championship, remained the longest-tenured position player on the team after veteran backup catcher Austin Barnes was released. Although he struggled this season with a batting average of .200 and 2 RBIs in 28 games, few anticipated his release. Taylor was traded to the Dodgers mid-season in 2016, during his third year in the big leagues, and has played with the team for 10 years as their representative multi-man.
Why was Taylor released? Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, noted, 'This week is very emotional for all of us. Both Barnes and Taylor have been at the center of many important moments in the organization.' He explained, 'However, we remember that even after winning 106 games in 2021, we missed the division title. The primary goal of the regular season is to win the division. I believe that will lead us to a favorable position for winning the World Series.'
Despite predictions that the defending champions Dodgers would reign as the strongest in the National League West this year, they are engaged in a fierce battle for the lead with the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. Currently, they are in first place with a record of 29 wins and 18 losses, but the margin over the two teams is only one game. MLB.com evaluated, 'With a series of roster moves, the Dodgers have once again made it clear that winning now is a priority over emotions.'
Taylor's release also signifies the survival of Kim Hye-sung. Initially, it seemed likely that Kim Hye-sung would be demoted to the minor leagues upon Edman's return from injury, but he impressed with a batting average of .452, 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 9 runs, 3 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.066 in 14 major league games, successfully overcoming another competitor. When Kim Hye-sung joined the Dodgers, he had already succeeded in making a name for himself when Gavin Lux was traded to the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB.com stated, 'Taylor's release means that KBO league star Kim Hye-sung can continue to occupy a spot on the roster. Kim Hye-sung was classified as a temporary resource after being called up to the major leagues in place of Edman, who injured his ankle two weeks ago, but he quickly proved his worth. He showcases the ability to change games with speed and stable defense, as well as consistent contact ability against major league pitchers.'
At the beginning of the season, the Dodgers' bench consisted mainly of right-handed hitters like Barnes, Taylor, Kiké Hernández, and Miguel Rojas. However, with this roster adjustment, left-handed hitters like Kim Hye-sung and Dalton Rushing are expected to receive more opportunities. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized, 'We are currently in a fierce ranking competition. Even amid that, it's important to give opportunities to young players like Kim Hye-sung and help them grow.'
Having triumphed over both Lux and Taylor, Kim Hye-sung now shines in the competition for the starting position. Just as his senior Kim Ha-seong, who joined the San Diego Padres, won the National League Gold Glove by surpassing stars like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jake Cronenworth, it remains to be seen if Kim Hye-sung can expand his footprint in the prestigious Dodgers organization through his breakout performances.
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