Los Angeles Dodgers: Chris Taylor expectations this year and beyond

Los Angeles Dodgers utility man  Chris Taylor has been one of the team’s most pleasant surprises this year. What can we expect from this 2017 breakout star for the rest of the year and beyond?

The Dodgers are never shy about spending money. When they do fork over the big bucks, they want a superstar. The same is true when a blockbuster trade is made, such as the recent one they executed with the Texas Rangers to acquire Yu Darvish.

Last summer, they made a small trade with the Seattle Mariners when they sent young pitcher Zach Lee north in exchange for Taylor. Lee, a former first round pick, has not pitched well at all in his limited big league experience.

Meanwhile, Taylor is developing into an absolute stud at the plate. He looks ready to start for the Dodgers for the rest of 2017 and again in 2018.

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It’s important for the Dodgers to find players like Taylor wherever they can. His cheap, controllable contract allows them to make trades for guys like Darvish, keep their core members like Justin Turner, and build a championship roster. For as great as they are at drafting, the scouting department deserves a W for picking Taylor from the Mariners in exchange for an unproven pitcher with no future in their franchise.

Through his first 354 plate appearances this year, Taylor is hitting .313/.379/.534 with 13 home runs. To show off his multiple talents, Taylor has also swiped 13 bags.

Taylor has played mostly in left field but also filled in at second base and in center field regularly. This versatility has helped give the Dodgers some amazing depth. At first, it was the whole reason Taylor could get into the lineup regularly.

To the surprise of many, Taylor has become the best outfielder the Dodgers have. He’s also their best second baseman this year as well.

Next year the Dodgers will have to contemplate exactly where it is Taylor fits in. Considering Alex Verdugo is nearing his big league debut, my guess is they let Chase Utley walk, don’t pick up Logan Forsythe’s option, and move forward with Taylor as their second baseman. Though this could be hazardous due to Taylor’s lackluster defense at second base, it’s the best way to get the necessary bats in the lineup.

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Taylor probably won’t hit .300 every year or come close to 20 home runs. In nearly 2,000 trips to the plate in the minor leagues, only 23 of them ended with a home run. Taylor still does deserve a lot more playing time. Whether it’s second base, left field, or anywhere else the Dodgers need him, expect Taylor to stay in Dave Roberts’ lineup card and continue to exceed projections.