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 $2 million deal with outfielder Leody Taveras, pending a physical, according to a source. The 27-year-old former top prospect was originally signed by the Texas Rangers in 2015 from the Dominican Republic with a bonus exceeding $2 million.
Player Profile and Skills
Taveras, a switch-hitter, primarily plays center field, a position where the Orioles have shown need. His major league career highlights include strong fielding and base running, with a 2023 season win above replacement (WAR) of 2.9, marking him as an above-average player, though not quite living up to some early projections as a star.
Recent Performance
- 2023: Career-best .733 on-base-plus-slugging (OPS) and 14 stolen bases.
- 2024: Struggled with a .229 batting average and .641 OPS over 151 games, but stole 23 bases.
- 2025 (with Seattle Mariners): Hit .174 in 28 games after being claimed off waivers.
Contract and Significance
This signing appears to be a depth move and a reclamation effort for Taveras’ potential resurgence. It echoes the approach of Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias, known for strategic roster building.
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.
Once in the majors, Taveras made his mark in the field and on the bases.
The signing, which was reported first by Mike Rodriguez on X and confirmed by the New York Post, is reminiscent of how Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias went about previous roster constructions.
Summary: The Orioles’ signing of Leody Taveras represents a strategic depth addition, aiming to revive the potential of a versatile outfielder with solid defensive skills and base-stealing ability.
Would you like the summary to be more detailed or concise?