Outfielder Leody Taveras Joining Orioles on Free-Agent Deal
The Baltimore Orioles are moving quickly this offseason. According to a source cited by MLB.com on Wednesday night, the team has reached an agreement with outfielder Leody Taveras. The club has not yet confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical examination.
Taveras, 27, is a switch-hitter who has played six Major League Baseball seasons with the Texas Rangers (2020–2025) and Seattle Mariners (2025). Over 533 big league games, he owns a career batting average of .236 and an OPS of .651. He is regarded for his ability to cover all three outfield positions.
Career Highlights and Recent Performance
After beginning the 2025 season with Texas, Taveras was claimed off waivers by Seattle on May 6. During his 28 games with the Mariners, he batted .174 before being designated for assignment on June 9 and outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on June 13.
At Tacoma, Taveras found his rhythm, hitting .280 with an .804 OPS over 81 games. His strongest MLB season came in 2023, when he delivered a .266/.312/.421 slash line with 31 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases across 143 games for the Rangers.
Championship Moments
Taveras played a key role in helping Texas capture the 2023 World Series title. His standout moments included a clutch home run off Astros ace Justin Verlander in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, leading the Rangers to a 2–0 victory.
In Game 5, he made a highlight-reel catch, robbing Yordan Alvarez of a home run and preserving the Rangers’ momentum.
Author’s Summary
Taveras’ consistency, defensive skill, and postseason experience make him a promising addition to Baltimore as they strengthen their roster for 2026.