Former Dodger Leaves New Team Before Opening Day
Former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Chris Taylor opted out of his deal with the Los Angeles Angels just before Opening Day, per Ken Rosenthal. Taylor spent the remainder of the 2025 season with the Angels after the Dodgers released him , and signed a minor league deal just before spring training. The Angels reportedly informed him he wouldn’t make the major league team, so he opted to re-enter free agency.
Chris Taylor opted out of his deal with the Angels and has been informed he will not make the club, source tells @TheAthletic . — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 20, 2026 Before the Angels signed him, Taylor said he had plans to remain in MLB for the coming season. “Oh no, I’m still playing,” Taylor said to David Vassegh on Dodger Talk .
“Don’t pull the cord on me yet, Vassegh. No, I’m still playing. I’m down here in Arizona working out.
Um, you know, I… I don’t know where it’s going to be yet, obviously with free agency being the way it is, but, um, I will be playing again this coming season. ” Mar 17, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Chris Taylor against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J.
Rebilas-Imagn Images How did Chris Taylor Play for the Angels in 2025? Taylor played just 30 games for the Angels in 2025, struggling with injury throughout the season. He fractured his hand after a pitch hit him against the Athletics, landing on the injured list in June 2025.