Dodgers give Mariners can't-miss chance to pursue reunion with old friend

In 2017, Seattle Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto didn’t sugarcoat his feelings. He owned one of his biggest misfires as an executive when he told The Seattle Times, “It’s clearly the worst deal I’ve ever made. And it resonates every time he hits a home run.”

The deal in question? Sending infielder Chris Taylor to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for pitching prospect Zach Lee — a pitcher who never threw a single pitch in a Mariners uniform before being shipped off to the San Diego Padres after going 0-9 with a 7.39 ERA for Triple-A Tacoma.

Taylor, on the other hand, blossomed into one of baseball’s most reliable utility players. In 10 seasons with the Dodgers, Taylor became a postseason hero, earned an All-Star selection in 2021, and helped deliver two World Series titles to Los Angeles. His versatility across the infield and outfield and gritty style of play made him a fan favorite and a clubhouse staple.

Jerry Dipoto should take his chance at redemption and reunite with Chris Taylor

Now, Dipoto finds himself in a rare position — a chance to close the loop on one of the most lopsided trades in franchise history.

On Sunday morning, the Dodgers cut ties with Taylor, not by designating him for assignment, but by releasing him outright. With roughly $9.55 million remaining on his 2025 salary and a $4 million buyout for 2026, the Dodgers will eat that money. Any team that signs Taylor will only owe him the prorated league minimum, a classic low-risk, high-reward opportunity — the kind Dipoto has built his reputation on.

And let’s face it, this move would make too much sense for Seattle. With the Mariners' roster currently banged up and relying heavily on role players to plug holes all over the diamond, Taylor would provide the type of insurance Dipoto loves. A veteran who can move around the field without blinking. He’s essentially Dylan Moore with a postseason resume, and he could immediately bolster a bench that’s been stretched thin.

Where would Taylor fit? Just about anywhere. The only true lineup locks right now are Julio Rodríguez in center field, J.P. Crawford at shortstop, and Randy Arozarena in left field. The rest of the lineup has been in a constant state of rotation, featuring platoons and matchups that leave room for a Swiss Army Knife like Taylor to slot in seamlessly.

Whether it’s at second, third, left field, or even a spot start in center, Taylor’s ability to cover multiple positions while providing professional at-bats would make him a natural fit. Plus, the narrative writes itself: the Mariners getting a second chance to bring home the one that got away.

Taylor is not the All-Star he once was. He’s slashing .200/.200/.257 with seven hits in 35 at-bats. But as a veteran presence, defensive asset, and postseason-tested competitor, he could be a spark plug for this Mariners roster heading into the summer. After all, everyone loves a good redemption story — and this one is now available, sitting on Dipoto’s desk, waiting to be written.