Leody Taveras Joins Baltimore Orioles on Free-Agent Deal After Recent Releases

Outfielder Leody Taveras, 27, has reportedly agreed to a free-agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles, though the club has not confirmed the deal. Taveras was released by the Seattle Mariners last June, having been claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers the prior month. Signed by Texas in 2015, he spent over five seasons with the Rangers after his 2020 MLB debut. His standout 2023 season saw him post a .733 OPS with 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases, helping the Rangers win the World Series. This included a memorable ALCS catch against Yordan Alvarez and a solo homer off Justin Verlander. Following this peak, his offensive production declined; he finished 2024 with a .229/.289/.352 line, 12 homers, and 23 steals. Last season, he recorded a .601 OPS before his Texas release, then hit .174/.198/.272 in 28 games with Seattle. He now joins an Orioles outfield group.