Veteran utility player Chris Taylor (35), who was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers after being overshadowed by Kim Hye-sung, has successfully found a new job. He signed with the Los Angeles Angels and immediately joined the starting lineup.

The Angels announced the acquisition of Taylor ahead of their home game against the New York Yankees on the 27th (Korean time). Released by the Dodgers on the 19th, Taylor found a new team in just 8 days, and on this day, he will make his debut as the 8th batter and center fielder in the Yankees game.

Taylor, who made his Major League Baseball debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2014, began to flourish after being traded to the Dodgers in July 2016. He had a breakout year in 2017, hitting a career-high 21 home runs, and was selected for his first All-Star game in 2021.

As a utility player who has transitioned between infield and outfield, Taylor contributed significantly both offensively and defensively. He was part of the Dodgers’ two World Series championship teams in 2020 and last year. In December 2021, he signed a lucrative four-year, $60 million free-agent contract with the Dodgers.

However, after the free-agent contract, his decline began. Last year, he posted a .222 batting average (43 hits in 213 at-bats), with 4 home runs and 23 RBIs, resulting in a decline in performance with an OPS of .598. This year, he batted .200 (7 hits in 35 at-bats), with no home runs and 2 RBIs, resulting in the worst performance of his career, failing to bounce back.

On the 4th, after Kim Hye-sung was called up to the Major League Baseball due to Tommy Edman's ankle injury and exceeded expectations, the Dodgers decisively released Taylor. With a guaranteed contract in its final year at $13 million, Taylor left with the condition of receiving the $4 million buyout that occurs if the $12 million team option next year is not executed.

The Dodgers gave up a total of $17 million, approximately 23.3 billion won, to retain Kim Hye-sung on the roster.

Due to a sharp decline in performance and being in his mid-30s, it was not easy for Taylor to find a new team, but the Angels reached out. Since the Dodgers cover his salary according to the existing contract, the Angels only need to pay Taylor the amount proportional to the league minimum salary during the roster registration period.

The Angels have bounced back recently with 8 wins and 2 losses in their last 10 games. Their season record has also improved to 25 wins and 27 losses, nearing a .500 winning percentage, and they are counting on veteran Taylor's resurgence.

Meanwhile, the Angels, who acquired Taylor, have sent infielder Tyron Paris (24) down to Triple-A. Paris, who transitioned between center field and second base, struggled at the plate this season, posting a .190 batting average (24 hits in 126 at-bats), with 6 home runs and 11 RBIs, and an OPS of .647.

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