Orioles sign outfielder Leody Taveras to 1-year, $2 million deal
The Baltimore Orioles have strengthened their defense by signing outfielder Leody Taveras to a one-year contract valued at $2 million. The agreement, confirmed Thursday morning to The Baltimore Sun by a source familiar with the deal, was officially announced later that evening.
Taveras, aged 27, brings six years of Major League Baseball experience. He made his debut with the Texas Rangers in 2020 at just 21 years old. Known for his exceptional speed and fielding ability, he provides the type of defensive upgrade Baltimore has been seeking after a challenging season in the outfield.
“Taveras has elite defensive instincts and switch-hitting versatility, though his offensive numbers have lagged behind his glove work.”
Offensively, Taveras holds a career batting average of .236 and a .651 OPS. He elected free agency in October following a season spent largely in the minors. His standout year came in 2023, when he helped the Rangers capture the World Series with a .266 average and .733 OPS, notably during a Division Series sweep over the Orioles.
The 2025 campaign proved difficult. After a sluggish start, the Rangers designated him for assignment in May, followed by a brief stint and release from the Seattle Mariners in June. Over 58 major league games, he posted a .205 average and .530 OPS but revived his form in Triple-A with Seattle’s affiliate, hitting .280 with an .804 OPS.
This signing provides the Orioles with valuable defensive strength, speed, and outfield depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Author’s Summary
Leody Taveras joins the Orioles on a one-year, $2 million contract to boost their outfield defense, bringing elite speed and experience despite recent offensive struggles.