Orioles to sign outfielder Leody Taveras, adding depth

Orioles to Sign Outfielder Leody Taveras Adding Depth

The 27-year-old Leody Taveras is a former top prospect who initially signed with the Texas Rangers in 2015 out of the Dominican Republic for a bonus exceeding $2 million. The Orioles are set to make their first major league free-agent signing of the offseason by finalizing a deal with Taveras, a source confirmed.

The agreement, pending a physical examination, is worth $2 million and is viewed primarily as a depth move and reclamation project. Taveras can cover center field—a current team need—and he is a switch-hitter, adding versatility to the roster.

Taveras' MLB Performance

Once in the majors, Taveras showed his value on the field and on the bases. He concluded the 2023 season with 2.9 wins above replacement (WAR), marking him as an above-average player though not the star some expected. He achieved a career-high on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .733 and stole 14 bases that year.

The past two seasons have been tougher for him. In 2024, he hit .229 with a .641 OPS over 151 games for Texas, while managing 23 stolen bases. Last season, Taveras posted a .241 average and a .601 OPS with the Rangers before being claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners, where he struggled further with a .174 average in 28 games. He became a free agent in October.

Signing Context

The signing was initially reported by Mike Rodriguez on X and later confirmed by the New York Post. This move reflects the approach Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias has taken in constructing past rosters.

"The deal, which is still pending a physical, is worth $2 million and appears to be a depth acquisition and a bit of a reclamation project at that."

"Taveras can play center field, which is an area of need, and he is a switch-hitter."

Author's Summary: The Orioles are adding Leody Taveras to boost center field depth, betting on his potential to rebound after recent struggles, following their proven roster-building strategy.

The Baltimore Banner — 2025-11-06