Orioles to Sign Leody Taveras to One-Year Contract
The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to sign outfielder Leody Taveras to a one-year, $2 million contract, according to a source with direct knowledge of the deal. The agreement is pending a physical and has not yet been officially announced by the team.
Player Background and Career
Taveras, 27, is known for his elite defensive skills and speed in the outfield—qualities the Orioles need after a disappointing season defensively. He debuted in Major League Baseball at age 21 with the Texas Rangers in 2020 and has six years of MLB experience.
As a switch-hitter, Taveras has struggled offensively, holding a career batting average of .236 and an OPS of .651. Despite this, he was a key contributor to the Rangers’ 2023 World Series run, posting his best major league season that year with a .266 batting average and a .733 OPS.
Recent Performance and Free Agency
In 2025, Taveras spent much of the season in the minor leagues after a slow start in the majors. He was designated for assignment by the Rangers in May and later by the Seattle Mariners in June. Across 58 major league games this year, he batted .205 with a .530 OPS. However, his performance improved significantly in Triple-A, hitting .280 with an .804 OPS for Seattle’s affiliate.
Significance of the Signing
“The deal adds outfield depth and several traits needed by the Orioles,” a source told The Baltimore Sun.
The signing occurs before free agency officially begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, marking an early move by the Orioles to strengthen their roster.
Summary
Leody Taveras’ defensive prowess and speed address the Orioles' need for stronger outfield defense, despite ongoing challenges with his offensive production.
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