**Dodgers Release Veteran Chris Taylor in Roster Shake-Up**

The Los Angeles Dodgers have released veteran utility player Chris Taylor, cutting ties with a player who has been a mainstay in their lineup since 2016. This move frees up a roster spot for Tommy Edman, who was activated from the injured list ahead of Sunday's series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.

Taylor's departure comes as the Dodgers shuffle their roster amid a season of updates and changes. Just four days prior, the team also let go of backup catcher Austin Barnes to make room for top prospect Dalton Rushing. Along with Clayton Kershaw, Taylor and Barnes had been among the longest-tenured members of the team.

In releasing Taylor, the Dodgers will pay out the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract, making him a free agent. This change signals confidence in Hyeseong Kim, a rookie second baseman from South Korea, who has shown promise with a .452 batting average since being called up from Triple-A.

During his tenure with the Dodgers, Taylor became known for his versatility, playing at six different positions: left field, center field, right field, third base, second base, and shortstop. He was a crucial part of successful Dodgers squads, particularly shining in October with memorable performances in the playoffs, including a walk-off home run in the 2021 wild-card game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, Taylor's performance has declined, with a notable slump in the 2024 season where he batted just .202. In the current season, he participated in only 35 games and had 28 plate appearances, struggling to find his form.

The Dodgers' decision to release Taylor highlights a new era for the team, focusing on emerging talents and making room for new strategic players in their pursuit of success.