The Baltimore Orioles start off free agency with a depth signing, as they have agreed to terms with outfielder Leody Taveras on a one-year, $2 million deal.
After being a top prospect in the Texas Rangers organization, Taveras made his MLB debut on July 24, 2020, against the Colorado Rockies. He would post a .703 OPS while totalling 27 hits, six doubles and four home runs.
Taveras had a down year in 2021, as he hit just .161 in 49 games. He collected just 28 hits, 11 of them for extra bases, and had his first double-digit stolen-base season, nabbing 10 bags.
The now-27-year-old would compile a .251/.303/.382 slash line with a .685 OPS over the next three years with Texas and would have back-to-back 100-hit seasons in 2023 and 2024, including a career-high 136 hits in 2023. He also posted a career-high in doubles (31), home runs (14) and RBIs (64) in that championship season for the Rangers.
Taveras was designated for assignment after a slow start in May of 2025, when the Seattle Mariners would pick him up. He would finish the season hitting just .174 and having a .470 OPS.
On the defensive side, Taveras is a great outfield addition when it comes to speed and his glove, two things the Orioles really need to focus on out in the pasture.
Taveras won’t be an everyday presence in the lineup, but it’s a nice to have someone of his caliber as a bench option, especially as a switch-hitter.
The Dominican native will join an outfield collective of Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Heston Kjerstad and Dylan Beavers, as he fights for a spot on the O’s roster during spring training.
The Orioles took a chance on a depth outfielder last season by the name of Ramón Laureano, and we all know how that played out for Baltimore. For $2 million, this is a low-risk, high-reward signing by GM Mike Elias.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have
Welcome to Birdland, Leody Taveras!
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