Chris Taylor 2019 Outlook: Dodgers Recent Moves Increasing Draft Value
6 years agoThe versatility of Chris Taylor (and an early injury to Corey Seager) allowed Taylor to play in 155 games in 2018. Although Seager is expected to return for the 2019 season, the Dodgers recently shipped both Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp to the Reds, which points to an everyday spot for Taylor. His 2018 season was mainly disappointing in which he slashed .254/.331/.444, with a 4.5% increase to his K%. A 6% increase in hard contact is an intriguing silver lining to his 2018 season. This suggests that a decrease in K% could mean similar production to that of 2017 when he slashed .288./.354/.496 with 21 home runs and 17 stolen bases. There is definitely upside to selecting Taylor in the late rounds of your draft, especially considering his 2B/SS/OF eligibility in some leagues. At a current ADP of 213, there is likely room built-in assuming that the Dodgers could still add another outfielder for the upcoming season. Classify Taylor as a low risk, high reward pick in the late rounds of your draft if the Dodgers move forward with this roster. Lean towards monitoring him on the waiver wire if they add a starter at 2B or OF before opening day.