Orioles to Sign Outfielder Leody Taveras Pending Physical
Outfielder Leody Taveras has reached an agreement with the Baltimore Orioles, pending a physical, according to a report from Mike Rodriguez. The team has not yet made the signing official.
Taveras, 26, became a free agent after electing to leave the Seattle Mariners organization, where he had been outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma in June following a rough offensive stretch. Seattle had claimed him off waivers from the Texas Rangers in early May.
A former top prospect, Taveras spent parts of five seasons with Texas, debuting in 2020 and gradually earning a regular role by 2023. Known for his defensive range and speed, he enjoyed his best year that season, appearing in 143 games while hitting .266/.312/.421 with 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases.
However, his offensive performance dipped in 2024, when he posted an 84 wRC+ over 529 plate appearances despite stealing a career-high 23 bases. Arbitration-eligible as a Super Two player, Taveras earned $2.55 million in 2024 and agreed to a $4.75 million salary for 2025 before Texas’ luxury tax situation put him in trade rumors. After a slow start (.241/.259/.342 in 30 games), the Rangers designated him for assignment, and his struggles continued in Seattle, where he hit just .174 in 98 plate appearances.
For the Orioles, the move represents a low-risk depth addition. Taveras could compete for a spot in an outfield mix that already includes Tyler O’Neill, Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers, and Dylan Carlson. While his defensive metrics declined in 2025, Baltimore may see value in his experience and athleticism as a potential defensive and speed option off the bench.
