Orioles to sign outfielder Leody Taveras, adding depth

Orioles to Sign Outfielder Leody Taveras, Adding Depth

The Baltimore Orioles are set to finalize their first major league free-agent signing of the offseason by agreeing to a deal with outfielder Leody Taveras, according to a source. The contract, pending a physical, is reportedly worth $2 million and is viewed primarily as a depth acquisition and a reclamation project.

Player Background and Skills

Taveras, 27, was once a top prospect who signed with the Texas Rangers in 2015 for a signing bonus exceeding $2 million from the Dominican Republic. He is a switch-hitter and can cover center field, a position where the Orioles have a clear need.

Major League Performance

During his time in the majors, Taveras distinguished himself with solid defensive play and baserunning. In 2023, he posted a 2.9 wins above replacement (WAR), ranking as an above-average player though not reaching the star potential once expected. That season, he achieved a career-high .733 on-base plus slugging (OPS) and stole 14 bases.

However, recent seasons have been tougher. In 2024, Taveras batted .229 with a .641 OPS in 151 games for Texas but managed to steal 23 bases. The following year, he hit .241 with a .601 OPS before being claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners, where he struggled further, hitting just .174 in 28 games. He entered free agency in October.

The signing, first reported by Mike Rodriguez on X and confirmed by the New York Post, reflects Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias’s approach to roster building.

This move aims to bolster depth and potentially revive a once-promising talent.

Author's summary: The Orioles are acquiring Leody Taveras to strengthen their outfield depth, banking on his defensive skills and baserunning despite recent offensive struggles.

The Baltimore Banner — 2025-11-06