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Dodgers' Dave Roberts Sends Message After Veteran’s Big Switch to Crosstown Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 27, 2025 9:15 AM ET

After nearly a decade of service in Dodger blue, Chris Taylor is now wearing red — and Dave Roberts finally addressed the stunning turn of events.

Taylor, once the Dodgers’ longest-tenured position player, was released by the team on May 18. Just days later, he signed a one-year deal with the crosstown rival Los Angeles Angels, sending a ripple through both clubhouses and fanbases.

The move wasn’t about bad blood or to take a stab at the Dodgers — it was about opportunity.

It was a brief but telling statement. No dramatics, no dismissiveness — just an acknowledgment that the veteran wanted what every aging player wants: a chance to contribute.

“Taylor wanted an opportunity to play more,” Roberts said, according to Dodgers writer, Noah Camras, while addressing the media for the first time since Taylor’s exit.

With the Dodgers, Taylor had seen his role reduced. He appeared in just 28 of 46 games this season, hitting .200 in limited action, often as a defensive sub. His release opened the door for Tommy Edman, who had just returned from injury.

The Angels, meanwhile, were in desperate need of stability in center field. Taylor offered immediate versatility — and they wasted no time slotting him in. In Monday’s game against the Yankees, Taylor was in the starting lineup, batting eighth and playing center.

Dave Roberts said Chris Taylor wanted an opportunity to play more.

He’ll get that with the Angels, who have struggled to get center field production.

Taylor gets a one-year, $760,000 deal. He’s already going to be the starting center fielder on Monday against the Yankees.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) May 26, 2025

Across his career, Taylor has played every defensive position except first base and catcher. That kind of utility isn’t easy to replace — and the Dodgers know that.

So does Roberts.

His message wasn’t long. But the fact that he said anything at all? That says enough.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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