Orioles sign outfielder Leody Taveras to one-year, $2 million deal
The Baltimore Orioles have signed outfielder Leody Taveras to a one-year contract worth $2 million, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The team officially announced the deal Thursday night.
Background and experience
Taveras, 27, brings six years of Major League Baseball experience. He made his debut at age 21 with the Texas Rangers in 2020 and has since been recognized for his elite defensive skills and speed in the outfield.
Offensive performance
Despite his defensive strength, Taveras has faced challenges at the plate, holding a career batting average of .236 and an OPS of .651. His best major league season came in 2023, when he helped the Rangers reach the World Series by batting .266 with a .733 OPS.
Recent career developments
After a slow start to the 2025 season, the Rangers designated him for assignment in May, followed by the Seattle Mariners in June. Over 58 major league games, he hit .205 with a .530 OPS. However, he found greater success at Triple-A, where he batted .280 with an .804 OPS. He chose free agency in October after spending much of the season in the minors.
Fit with Baltimore
The Orioles, coming off a defensively rough year, sought an upgrade in the outfield. Taveras’s strong glove and speed make him a valuable addition to their roster depth.
“Taveras is an elite defensive outfielder, which the Orioles need after a poor season with the gloves,” a source told The Baltimore Sun.
Author’s summary
Taveras’s signing gives Baltimore a speedy, defense-first outfielder with potential upside at the plate after a turbulent 2025 season.