While all the buzz surrounding the Dodgers has been either about signing a big-name free agent or the departure of free agents such as Kike Hernádez and Joc Pederson, Los Angeles still boasts a lot of talent. They’ve already had several players make MLB Network’s Top 10 players at each position and will surely have others who take their place in the future. Whether it be through the free-agent market or from their own farm, they have the pieces to make another title run.
Just take the story of Chris Taylor who could’ve been deemed as a failed prospect with the Seattle Mariners. After being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Taylor breezed through the minors and found his way to the big leagues by mid-2014. It was there that Taylor struggled to hold his own. In 2016, the Dodgers traded for Taylor, sending pitcher Zach Lee in return. Even during his first year with the team, he wasn’t more than just depth on the roster. However, Taylor finally broke out in 2017 to help the Dodgers win their, at the time, fifth straight NL West title as well as a trip to the World Series. Of course, we all know how that ended (hint: Bang! Bang!).
Related: Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler Ranked in MLB’s Top 10 Starting Pitchers for 2021
.@Dodgers took the lead on this Chris Taylor blast and never looked back. #NLCS pic.twitter.com/dNfbx2DAO3
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2017
Since then Taylor has developed into a crucial part of a Dodgers team that has now won the West for eight straight years, as well as taken three trips to the World Series in four years before finally winning it in 2020. He’s become just one of many swiss army knives for the organization, spending time in the outfield as well as all over the infield. During parts of five seasons with the Dodgers, Taylor has batted .266 with 59 home runs and 226 RBIs. He’ll never be known for being the best hitter on this team but his presence in the lineup only strengthens the Dodgers lineup. Add in the fact that he’s solid on defense at any position he plays, and you have yourself a keeper. The departure of Kike Hernández only escalates his importance to this team.
Chris Taylor with the throw home where Will Smith applies the tag to end the game and get the series win #Dodgers 7-6 pic.twitter.com/nSbCbApZW9
— Jack (@MidWestLAFan) August 6, 2020
MLB Network surely understands the talent he brings to the table as they have ranked him the eighth-best second baseman in the league for the 2021 season. Taylor wasn’t previously ranked among the best in the game, but what sweetens his recognition, even more, is the fact that he is placed higher than Jose Altuve of the Houston Asterisks, oh I mean Astros.
Here's how the top 2B in the game stack up! #Top10RightNow pic.twitter.com/QCdq5iC9hG
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 2, 2021
Taylor’s inclusion in the top 10 at his position makes it now five for the Dodgers as Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy were all previously recognized. If Justin Turner ends up re-signing with LA, that’ll make a total of six. While he does move all around the field, Taylor has logged 67 games at second base and figures to spend an increased workload there this upcoming season if Gavin Lux can’t hold his own.
