The Los Angeles Angels are once again turning to a familiar face in their effort to strengthen roster depth and create flexibility across the diamond. According to a Thursday report from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the organization is set to reunite with veteran utility player Chris Taylor following his brief tenure with the club last season. While the Angels have not yet made an official announcement, the agreement is widely expected to be a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
With position players scheduled to report for physicals on Sunday and the first full-squad workout slated for Monday, the timing of the move suggests Taylor will have an opportunity to compete immediately once camp activities begin. As the Angels prepare for what they hope will be a more stable and productive season, bringing back an experienced, versatile defender like Taylor reflects their continued emphasis on depth, adaptability, and veteran leadership.
A Familiar Return After an Eventful 2025
Taylor, now 35 years old, joined the Angels during the 2025 campaign after being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers in May. His arrival came amid injuries and inconsistency within the Angels’ roster, and the club hoped his experience and defensive flexibility would help steady things. However, his stint with the team proved challenging from both a performance and health standpoint.
In 30 games with the Angels last year, Taylor posted a .179 batting average along with a .278 on-base percentage and a .321 slugging percentage. He collected two home runs, five doubles, and 10 RBIs during that stretch. While those numbers fell short of expectations, they do not fully capture the adversity he faced.
MORE: “Heartbreaking” Cardinals outfielder set to miss spring training camp
Taylor endured a particularly frustrating run of injuries in 2025. In June, he suffered a broken left hand after being hit by a pitch. After working his way back toward a return, he experienced further misfortune in late July when he broke the same hand again during a diving attempt in the outfield while on a rehab assignment. The second fracture effectively derailed any chance of building sustained momentum during his time with the Angels.
Despite those setbacks, the organization clearly sees value in bringing him back for another look this spring.
Defensive Versatility Remains His Calling Card
Even as offensive production has fluctuated in recent years, Taylor’s defensive flexibility continues to make him a useful roster candidate. During his time with the Angels last season, he logged innings at second base, third base, and all three outfield spots. That ability to move seamlessly around the field is one of the traits that has defined his career.
Over 12 Major League seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Angels, Taylor has appeared in 1,123 games. Across that span, he owns a career slash line of .248/.327/.419, along with 110 home runs, 200 doubles, and 443 RBIs. While he may no longer be an everyday player, his track record demonstrates consistent production over a lengthy career.
Perhaps even more notable is his postseason résumé. Taylor has compiled a strong .791 OPS across 80 playoff games and has twice been part of World Series championship teams with the Dodgers — in 2020 and again in 2024. That October experience adds intangible value, especially for a club attempting to build a competitive culture.
Competition Brewing in the Utility Mix
Taylor’s return adds another layer to an already crowded competition for roster spots. The Angels currently have fellow utility players Oswald Peraza and Vaughn Grissom vying for roles on the Opening Day roster. Both players are out of Minor League options, meaning they cannot be sent down without first passing through waivers — a factor that could influence roster decisions.
Christian Moore is widely viewed as the leading candidate to secure the starting job at second base. However, his hold on that position is not guaranteed. Peraza, Grissom, and non-roster invitee Nick Madrigal are all pushing for playing time in the infield. Taylor now joins that group, bringing a veteran presence and positional flexibility that could appeal to the coaching staff.
Unlike some of the younger competitors, Taylor’s value is not tied to a single position. He offers the ability to step in wherever needed, whether as an injury replacement, late-game defensive substitution, or occasional starter. That versatility can be especially valuable over the course of a long season when injuries inevitably arise.
Center Field Options Expand
One area where Taylor could carve out a niche is center field. The Angels enter camp evaluating multiple possibilities at that position. Jo Adell and Mike Trout are internal options, though Trout’s recent injury history has prompted careful workload management discussions. Bryce Teodosio is another candidate, while Josh Lowe — acquired in a January trade with the Tampa Bay Rays — is expected to factor into the competition as well.
Additionally, the Angels signed Jose Siri to a Minor League deal, giving him an opportunity to compete for time in center this spring. With so many players in the mix, having someone like Taylor — who has experience at the position and can serve as a steady defensive presence — provides added flexibility.
MORE: Orioles reportedly outbid Diamondbacks, Padres, Cubs for $13M young arm to complete its rotation
If the Angels opt to rotate players based on matchups or health considerations, Taylor’s ability to handle center field could give him a legitimate path to earning a roster spot.
Insurance at Third Base
Beyond the middle infield and outfield, Taylor also provides depth at third base. The Angels re-signed Yoán Moncada to a one-year, $4 million contract this offseason, signaling their intention to give him a fresh start. However, Moncada has dealt with injuries in recent years, raising questions about long-term durability.
To bolster depth at the hot corner, the Angels also signed veteran Jeimer Candelario to a Minor League contract. Adding Taylor to the mix further strengthens that contingency plan. Should Moncada miss time or require regular rest, Taylor’s ability to fill in at third base offers another layer of security.
In many ways, this signing reflects a broader roster-building philosophy: accumulate versatile pieces who can plug multiple holes rather than relying heavily on a single player at each position.
Veteran Leadership and Clubhouse Value
While statistics and positional flexibility are important, Taylor’s experience may carry equal weight. Having spent more than a decade in the Majors and participated in multiple deep postseason runs, he understands the rhythms of a long season and the pressures of high-stakes games.
For younger players competing for roster spots — including Moore, Peraza, and Grissom — having a veteran presence in camp can provide both mentorship and competition. Taylor’s professionalism and familiarity with the Los Angeles baseball environment (from his years with the Dodgers) also mean he arrives with minimal adjustment required.
Spring Training often serves as a proving ground not only for physical readiness but also for chemistry and clubhouse dynamics. A respected veteran who can contribute both on and off the field holds tangible value in that setting.
A Low-Risk, Potentially Rewarding Move
From a front-office perspective, this appears to be a low-risk acquisition. A Minor League deal allows the Angels to evaluate Taylor in camp without committing a guaranteed Major League roster spot. If he performs well and proves healthy, he could earn a place on the Opening Day roster. If not, the club retains flexibility to make alternative decisions.
MORE: Diamondbacks One Step Closer to Add Another Closer
Given the unpredictable nature of injuries and performance fluctuations over a 162-game schedule, depth often determines whether a team can sustain competitiveness. Taylor’s signing aligns with that reality.
Looking Ahead to Spring
As position players prepare to report and full-squad workouts approach, Taylor’s presence adds intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the more competitive camps in recent years for the Angels. Battles for second base, utility roles, center field playing time, and third-base depth are all underway.
For Taylor, this opportunity represents another chance to extend a career that has already included significant accomplishments — including two championship rings and a reputation as one of the more reliable multi-position defenders of his era.
For the Angels, it’s a calculated move aimed at improving depth, preserving flexibility, and fostering competition. Whether Taylor ultimately secures a spot on the roster will depend on his health, performance, and how the rest of the roster puzzle falls into place.
But as camp opens and evaluations begin, one thing is clear: Chris Taylor will once again be part of the Angels’ spring plans, bringing experience, versatility, and the hope of renewed contribution to a team seeking stability and success in the season ahead.
Be the first to comment