Orioles Sign Outfielder Leody Taveras
The Baltimore Orioles have reached an agreement with outfielder Leody Taveras on a one-year, $2 million contract, according to a source with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. The signing is subject to a physical exam and has not yet been officially announced by the Orioles.
Player Profile and Career Highlights
Leody Taveras, 27, is known for his elite defensive skills and speed in the outfield, attributes the Orioles are looking to strengthen after a disappointing season defensively. A switch-hitter, Taveras made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2020 at age 21 and has accumulated six years of major league experience.
Despite his defensive prowess, Taveras has struggled offensively, holding a career batting average of .236 and an OPS of .651. His best major league season was in 2023 during the Rangers’ World Series run, where he posted a .266 average and .733 OPS.
Recent Performance and Free Agency
Taveras spent most of the 2025 season in the minor leagues after electing free agency in October. Early in 2025, he was designated for assignment by the Rangers in May and then by the Seattle Mariners in June. Over 58 major league games that season, Taveras hit .205 with a .530 OPS but showed improvement in Triple-A with a .280 average and .804 OPS.
The deal "adds outfield depth and several traits needed by the Orioles."
Context
Taveras previously contributed to the Rangers' success by participating in their 2023 playoff run, although the Rangers swept the Orioles in the American League Division Series that year.
Summary: The Orioles' signing of Leody Taveras bolsters their outfield depth with a defensively skilled player known for speed, aiming to improve on last season’s struggles.