Baltimore Orioles sign veteran outfielder to one-year deal
The Baltimore Orioles have strengthened their outfield depth with a new free agency signing. According to MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, the Orioles reached an agreement with veteran outfielder Leody Taveras on a one-year, $2 million contract. The report surfaced on Wednesday evening and was later confirmed by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Leody Taveras’ background
Taveras, who signed as an international free agent with the Texas Rangers in 2015, made his major league debut in 2020. The 27-year-old outfielder played most of his professional career within the Rangers organization.
He was part of the 2023 Texas Rangers team that captured the World Series title, despite struggling at the plate, going hitless in 16 at-bats during the series.
Recent performance and transfers
To start the 2024 season, Taveras shared center field duties with Kevin Pillar, posting a batting line of .241/.259/.342 with one home run, eight RBIs, and six stolen bases in 30 games for Texas.
On May 4, the Rangers placed him on outright waivers. He was subsequently claimed by the Seattle Mariners two days later.
“During his first game with the Mariners on May 7 against the Athletics, Taveras started his first career game in right field and drove in the tying run as well as scored the go-ahead run in a 6-5 victory.”
In total, Taveras appeared in 28 games with Seattle, hitting .174 with limited on-base performance.
Author’s summary
Leody Taveras joins the Orioles on a one-year deal, bringing speed, defense, and experience from his time with the Rangers and Mariners.