Orioles to Sign Outfielder Leody Taveras, Adding Depth
The Baltimore Orioles are set to complete their first significant offseason acquisition by agreeing to a deal with outfielder Leody Taveras, according to confirmed reports. The 27-year-old, once a top prospect, originally signed with the Texas Rangers in 2015 for a bonus exceeding $2 million out of the Dominican Republic.
The agreement, pending a physical, is valued at $2 million. It is viewed as a depth move and a potential reclamation effort. Taveras, a switch-hitter with strong defensive skills, can play center field, a position of need for Baltimore.
Career Overview
Taveras made his early mark through defensive consistency and base running. In 2023, he posted 2.9 wins above replacement, along with a .733 on-base-plus-slugging percentage and 14 stolen bases—his best offensive season to date. Despite this, he did not fully meet the lofty expectations once placed on him.
His performance dipped over the next two years. In 2024, Taveras recorded a .229 batting average and a .641 OPS across 151 games for Texas, though he stole 23 bases. The following season, he hit .241 with a .601 OPS for the Rangers before being claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners, where he batted .174 in 28 games. He entered free agency in October.
Sources and Comparisons
Reported first by Mike Rodriguez on X and later confirmed by the New York Post.
The move mirrors the approach of Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias, who has often looked to acquire undervalued players with upside to reinforce roster depth.
Author's Summary
Taveras’ signing gives the Orioles an affordable, defensively reliable outfielder, reflecting their strategy of strengthening depth through low-risk, high-upside deals.