Chris Taylor retirement reminds Dodgers dynasty needed more than stars
Chris Taylor has called time on his 12-year Major League career, having spent time with the Mariners, Dodgers and Angels. His CV is quietly impressive.
Photo by Elijah Smith/MLB Photos via Getty Images Chris Taylor has called time on his 12-year Major L e ague career, having spent time with the Mariners, Dodgers and Angels. His CV is quietly impressive. Taylor won two World Series titles with the Dodgers, was named an All-Star in 2021 and shared the 2017 NLCS MVP award with Justin Turner.
It is not the kind of record that screams superstardom, but that is exactly why it matters. Taylor’s career is a reminder that the Dodgers’ success was never just about the headline names. Dynasties need more than stars.
They need players who fit around them and still have the ability to shape big moments. Chris Taylor gave the Dodgers what stars alone could not Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images Taylor was never the best player on those Dodgers teams. That is what made him so valuable.
Los Angeles had the power, money and talent to win games in bulk. Taylor gave them something different, playing across six defensive positions and giving the roster flexibility. That kind of player matters more in October than it does in box scores.