Orioles To Sign Leody Taveras
The Baltimore Orioles are set to sign free agent outfielder Leody Taveras, pending a physical, according to Mike Rodriguez. The team has not made an official announcement yet.
Recent Career Moves
Taveras was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners in mid-June. After clearing waivers, he was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma. The Mariners had acquired him earlier in May via a waiver claim from the Texas Rangers. A few weeks ago, Taveras elected free agency.
Performance and Career Overview
Leody Taveras spent the previous five major league seasons with the Rangers, debuting in 2020 mainly in a part-time role. Early in his career, he was valued for his solid defense in center field and speed on the bases, despite limited offensive production.
His role expanded in 2023, playing 143 games with 554 plate appearances. That season, he posted a .266/.312/.421 slash line, hitting 14 home runs and stealing 14 bases.
Taveras's strong 2023 season helped him keep a significant role in 2024, although his hitting declined, posting an 84 wRC+ over 529 plate appearances.
In 2024, he stole a career-high 23 bases but hit just .229. Due to his Super Two status, he qualified for arbitration before the 2024 season and agreed to a $4.75 million deal for 2025 with the Rangers. Despite trade rumors influenced by luxury tax concerns, Texas retained him until his offensive struggles intensified.
Summary
Leody Taveras is an outfielder known for strong defense and speed, whose improving 2023 performance helped him secure a larger role, though his hitting notably declined in 2024.