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Dodgers Fan Favorite Linked to Padres After Los Angeles' Latest Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 22, 2025 11:30 AM ET

Business is business, and the Los Angeles Dodgers understand that.

Releasing Chris Taylor last week, the Dodgers could see him play for a new team in the near future. It remains uncertain what Taylor plans to do for the rest of his career, but the 34-year-old looks like he still has something left in the tank despite some of his quiet numbers in recent years.

Taylor only appeared in 87 games last season, posting a 72 OPS+. In 28 games this season, he was even worse, posting a 29 OPS+. However, he's a valuable professional who could be wanted by contending teams around the league.

That's exactly why The Athletic recently linked him to the San Diego Padres, adding that he's a hypothetical candidate to address the Padres' left field situation, despite how poorly he's played to start the year.

“Elsewhere Sunday, there were reminders that last season’s offense represented an ideal confluence of established stars and newcomers. Higashioka, now catching for the Texas Rangers, is batting .235 with only one home run. Solano, who was not in the Mariners’ lineup, is hitting .131. Peralta, a fellow 37-year-old, remains a free agent.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers released Chris Taylor, making him a hypothetical candidate to address the Padres’ left-field woes, but the 34-year-old’s underlying numbers are even worse than Heyward’s,” Dennis Lin wrote.

Betting on Taylor to turn things around wouldn't be the worst idea from San Diego's perspective.

Throughout his career, he's been a 103 OPS+ hitter.

While he isn't getting any younger, it isn't exactly like he's old at 34. He also offers defensive versatility, something the Padres could be interested in.

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

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