Opening the Door? Chris Taylor Rejects Los Angeles Dodgers’ Qualifying Offer

After six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chris Taylor is now a free agent following the conclusion of the 2021 season. Although the Dodgers failed to retain the World Series this year, Taylor enjoyed a fruitful season, and shone particularly well in the playoffs.

As a free agent, any team can now approach the 31-year-old to sign a contract with them. And according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Dodgers failed in their initial attempt to re-sign Taylor.

Chris Taylor refuses qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers

During the regular season, Taylor scored 92 runs and recorded 73 RBI to aid the Dodgers’ tally an impressive 105-56 record. Although it wasn’t enough to top the NL West, the Dodgers beat the division champions and their fierce rivals, the San Francisco Giants in a thrilling five-game NLDS.

Oct 21, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Chris Taylor (3) celebrates with manager Dave Roberts (30) after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves during game five of the 2021 NLCS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In the NLCS, Taylor featured among the highlights of the Dodgers, who suffered a shock 4-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves, who eventually won the World Series. During Game 5 of the NLCS, Taylor smashed three home runs, making him the first to do so in an elimination game.

There’s no doubt on how much he is worth to the Dodgers, which is why they would want to retain him. However, the 31-year-old made his intentions clear as he rejected the 2020 World Series champions’ qualifying offer of $18.4million according to Heyman.

Chris Taylor has declined the Dodgers $18.4M qualifying offer, per @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/dBWGxKISAA

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 15, 2021

Will Taylor end up staying with the Dodgers?

Taylor made it clear to the Dodgers that if they want to keep him, they’ll need to pay more money. As their front office tries to work that out, the 31-year-old’s talent draws interest from several MLB teams.

Oct 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Chris Taylor (3) reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a walk-off two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. The Los Angeles Dodgers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Among those teams, the Detroit Tigers are arguably the most interested. With the AL Central team looking to strengthen their roster, Taylor’s hitting ability would come in handy for them as they look likely to set a target of reaching the playoffs for 2022. In the coming days, expect the Taylor saga to take a few more twists and turns.

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