Andrew Friedman Reveals Process for Austin Barnes, Chris Taylor Decisions
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had to make two very tough roster decisions this week. First, it was designating longtime catcher Austin Barnes for assignment, while it wasn't a total shocker move, he had been with the team for 11 seasons.
Next, and most recently, utilityman Chris Taylor was released by the team. Again, not a shocking move considering his level of production over the past couple of seasons, but Taylor had also been a part of the Dodgers team for 10 seasons, and is in the last year of a four-year, $60 million deal.
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Today, the Dodgers' President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, revealed his emotions regarding both moves, per Jack Harris:
Dec 14, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman (left) and manager Dave Roberts at press conference at Dodger Stadium.Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
"This has been an emotional week for all of us," said Friedman. "Barnsey and CT have been in the middle of some huge moments for this organization. Both guys left an indelible mark on our culture and where we're at this point. So the decisions were incredibly difficult. The conversations were tough, but with where we are, the division race, the composition of roster, everything. We felt that this was in the Dodgers' best interest in terms if how to win as many games and put us in a position to best win the World Series this year. Doesn't mean it was easy, but ultimately felt like it was the right thing to do."
Both Taylor and Barnes leave the team as two-time World Series Champions and will always be fan favorites among Dodger Nation.
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Although it is tough to see them go, Friedman is right; these were the right moves to ensure the Dodgers roster is in the best possible place to win a National League West crown, and potentially another NL pennant.
Related: Dodgers Make Important Roster Move After Latest Kirby Yates Injury
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