Dodgers bring back Chris Taylor for $60M over 4 years

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back versatile All-Star Chris Taylor, agreeing to a $60 million, fouryear deal with a club option Wednesday night.

The 31-year-old Taylor was an All-Star for the first time in 2021, when he hit .254 with 20 homers and set career highs with 92 runs and 73 RBIs. He hit a game-ending homer in the NL wildcard game against St. Louis, then batted .476 in the NL Championship Series against Atlanta, with three homers in Game 5.

Taylor has played every position except catcher, first base and pitcher, and is a career .261 hitter with 79 homers. He was the coNLCS MVP in 2017 and also a key contributor when the Dodgers won the World Series in 2020.

The Dodgers retained Taylor after losing ace Max Scherzer and shortstop Corey Seager in free agency this week. Scherzer signed a $130 million, three-year contract with the New York Mets, and Seager signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers.

Taylor will be paid $15 million in 2022 and ‘23, then $13 million in ‘24 and ‘25. His club option for 2026 is for $12 million with a $4 million buyout.

Los Angeles designated infielder Sheldon Neuse for assignment to clear space for Taylor on the 40-man roster.