Orioles To Sign Leody Taveras
The Baltimore Orioles are set to sign free agent outfielder Leody Taveras, according to a report by Mike Rodriguez. The agreement is pending a physical, and the team has not yet made an official announcement.
Taveras became available after being designated for assignment by Seattle in mid-June. He cleared waivers and was reassigned to Triple-A Tacoma before electing free agency a few weeks later. The Mariners had previously claimed him off waivers from Texas in early May.
Career Overview
Taveras spent the last five seasons in the major leagues with the Texas Rangers. He made his debut in 2020, initially serving in a limited capacity. Although his offensive output was modest during his first three seasons, he was known for his reliable defense in center field and quickness on the bases.
His role expanded significantly in 2023, when he appeared in 143 games, recording 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases with a batting line of .266/.312/.421. That year solidified his position as a regular outfielder. In 2024, however, his performance at the plate declined, finishing with an 84 wRC+ over 529 plate appearances while still managing a personal best of 23 stolen bases despite batting only .229.
Contract and Arbitration
Before the 2024 season, Taveras qualified for arbitration due to his Super Two eligibility. He and the Rangers settled on a $4.75 million contract for 2025. However, concerns over payroll flexibility and luxury tax implications sparked trade speculation. Ultimately, the Rangers held onto him, but his offensive struggles persisted, ending his tenure in Texas.
"The Orioles are expected to add free agent outfielder Leody Taveras." — Mike Rodriguez
Author’s summary: Leody Taveras, a defense-first outfielder with speed, joins the Orioles after a turbulent 2024 season and prior stints with Texas and Seattle.