Veteran utilityman Chris Taylor returns to Anaheim, offering crucial defensive versatility and a potential bench spark for the Angels' revamped roster.
The Los Angeles Angels have had a relatively quiet offseason despite entering a pivotal year.
The Angels hired Kurt Suzuki as the new manager, but they only signed him to a one-year deal.
The Angels did make a flurry of moves, including trading away Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles for Grayson Rodriguez.
And, the Angels did bring in a lot of players in free agency, although there are a lot of question marks and players coming to Anaheim on prove-it deals.
On Thursday night, the Angels reunited with Chris Taylor, the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder who came to Anaheim during the 2025 campaign.
Taylor signed with the Angels after being released from the Dodgers in May, and he played in 30 games in Orange County.
While Taylor's offensive numbers are not exciting - he hit .186 with two home runs and 12 RBIs - he brings versatility that will be beneficial to Suzuki.
Taylor played all three outfield positions, second base and third base last season, so he can be used in a variety of roles, making him an important reserve.
It remains unclear if Taylor's contract is an MLB deal, a minor league deal or an invite to spring training, but he should have a chance to at least earn a bench spot for the Angels.
Taylor played the first three seasons of his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners before joining the Dodgers in the 2016 campaign.
He was with the Dodgers all the way until 2025, and he played in 100 games or more in six seasons in LA.
The Angels outfield seems somewhat set with Jo Adell, Mike Trout, Jose Lowe and Jorge Soler, with one of Soler or Trout getting the designated hitter spot.
The infield has more questions, with second base being the most wide-open of the bench, and a spot Taylor could be an option for if he performs well in spring training.
Yoan Moncada seems locked into third base, for now, and Zach Neto is locked and loaded at the shortstop position.
On the other hand, it is possible that Taylor starts the season in the minor leagues.
If that's the case, he shouldn't be there long and will likely be called up once an injury occurs.
For now, Taylor has a shot to make the roster, and he could be a player to watch during the spring.