The Los Angeles Angels have officially signed utility player Chris Taylor, with the team announcing that outfielder Kyren Paris will be sent down to Triple-A as a corresponding move. Taylor, who previously played for the Dodgers, is set to join the Angels’ roster immediately and is expected to play center field in tonight’s game against the Yankees.
This transaction comes after the Angels created an open spot on their 40-man roster following the designation of right-hander Shaun Anderson. Taylor, at 34 years old, has had a varied career and was once a significant contributor for the Dodgers, even earning a four-year, $60 million deal ahead of the 2022 season. However, his performance has declined in recent years, leading to limited playing time and his release from the Dodgers just over a week ago. The Dodgers will still pay a significant portion of his salary, which benefits the Angels as they will only be responsible for the prorated league minimum for Taylor.
The Angels are likely banking on Taylor’s experience and past versatility to rejuvenate his career. From 2017 to 2021, he posted a solid batting average of .265 with respectable on-base and slugging percentages, while also showing speed on the bases with 50 stolen bases in that timeframe. However, his recent stats have seen a significant downturn, with a particularly rough start to the 2025 season.
In contrast, Kyren Paris had been gaining traction as a regular player for the Angels but has struggled significantly this season, recording a low batting average of .190 over 140 plate appearances. His struggle with strikeouts, totaling 59, has led to the decision to return him to the minors, where he can work on stabilizing his performance. Having only limited experience at the Triple-A level, this stint might prove beneficial for his development.
Bringing Taylor on board could provide the Angels not only with a veteran presence but also an opportunity to recapture the success he had earlier in his career. The team’s strategy seems focused on balancing immediate needs while also nurturing their young talent like Paris.