Dodgers Who Were Snubbed in the First All-Star Update

Chris Taylor, Infield/Outfield

Chris Taylor not sniffing the top of the votes is likely because, well, he’s not on the ballot. As a primary bench/utility player, the MLB has not listed him as a player on the ballot. Meaning that the only way Taylor could accumulate votes would by by write-in votes. But Chris Taylor without question deserves consideration for an All-Star nod. Taylor this season has been one of the Dodgers best hitters, hitting .319, with six home runs and 19 RBI.

But Chris Taylor without question deserves consideration for an All-Star nod. Taylor this season has been one of the Dodgers best hitters, hitting .319, with six home runs and 19 RBI.

Taylor is fifth on the team in hits, second in OBP, and third in slugging percentage after two months of the season. Taylor has played in a limited 37 games this season but has forced the Dave Roberts’ hand in getting more playing time, transitioning to an everyday centerfield role while Joc Pederson recovers from a concussion injury.

It’s clear that without an everyday role and a set position it would be difficult for Taylor to get any fan recognition. But the All-Star game has been transitioning to a new era where managers select role players as reserves for the All-Star game, and when it comes to role players there are none more deserving than Chris Taylor.

Taylor is fighting an uphill battle to start with the Dodgers every day, let alone start for the NL All-Stars. But if Taylor continues this production he’s likely going to force Joe Maddon’s hand to pick him as a reserve like he’s forced Roberts’ hand to get everyday at-bats.

It unrealistic to expect Taylor to generate any of the fan votes with the fact he’s not on the ballot and the fans control who are the starters. I guess I’m just bothered by Javier Baez receiving the second most votes (474,000) at second base with Baez only playing in 44 games and having 144 at-bats. Baez’s production is not even close to Taylor’s this season.