Dodgers' World Series champion leaves contract with Angels before MLB season starts

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim gave Chris Taylor a chance to make their MLB roster for Opening Day.

He tried his best to seize the opportunity, but he still won't be playing with the Angels in the season ahead. 

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Friday afternoon that Taylor has "opted out of his deal with the Angels" after being informed he won't make the team for the season ahead.

Taylor, as a veteran, likely had it built into his contract that he could opt-out if he wasn't making the team. 

He put up a .798 OPS this spring in 52 plate appearances, and he's known for his versatility. Seems like a guy the Angels might have wanted to keep around.

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Instead, Taylor is now available as a free agent, and he'll likely sign with someone else sooner rather than later.

Taylor is 35 years old now, but he has two career World Series rings, both won with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He was let go after 28 games with the Dodgers in 2025 after hitting .200. Taylor then played 30 games for the Angels, batting .178.

He began his MLB career in 2014 with the Seattle Mariners, and after a few years, spent a decade with the Dodgers.

Now, Taylor could be looking for a new uniform. Whether he can return somewhere familiar or not remains to be seen.

All that's clear at the moment is that the Angels didn't want to keep Taylor around.

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