Orioles to Sign Outfielder Leody Taveras to One-Year Deal
Outfielder Leody Taveras is expected to sign with the Baltimore Orioles, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Mike Rodriguez initially reported the agreement, which Heyman confirmed as a one-year, $2 million contract.
Taveras was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners in mid-June. After clearing waivers, he was sent outright to Triple-A Tacoma. The Mariners had acquired him via waiver claim from Texas in early May. A few weeks ago, Taveras elected free agency.
Career and Performance Overview
Taveras spent five major league seasons with the Texas Rangers, making his debut in 2020 in a part-time role. During his first three seasons, his offensive production was limited, although he was valued for his strong defense in center field and his speed on the bases.
In 2022, he stepped into a bigger role, appearing in 143 games. Between 2020 and 2022, he had 660 plate appearances, and in 2023 he reached 554. That year, he hit 14 home runs, stole 14 bases, and slashed .266/.312/.421, demonstrating significant improvement.
2024 Season and Arbitration Details
Despite a strong 2023, Taveras struggled offensively in 2024, posting an 84 wRC+ over 529 plate appearances and hitting just .229. However, he set a career-high with 23 stolen bases. He qualified for arbitration in 2024 due to his Super Two status.
Taveras and the Rangers agreed to a $4.75 million deal for 2025, but luxury tax implications led to trade rumors. Texas ultimately retained him, although his offensive performance declined significantly, hitting .241/.259/...
"The strong 2023 helped Taveras maintain a large role in 2024, though he fell off as a hitter."
Author's summary: Leody Taveras's defensive skills and speed have kept him in MLB despite offensive struggles, as he now looks to revive his career with the Orioles on a one-year deal.
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