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The Orioles aren’t focused only on their bullpen as the offseason has moved into a new month.
Outfield depth also must be addressed.
The team reached agreement last night with veteran Leody Taveras on a one-year contract pending the results of a physical. The deal pays $2 million, according to Spotrac.
Taveras, 27, is a switch-hitter who made $4.750 million this year while batting .205/.226/.304 in a combined 58 games between the Rangers and Mariners. Seattle selected him on waivers May 6 and designated him for assignment a month later. He became a free agent in October.
Taveras made his major league debut with the Rangers in 2020 and batted .240/.291/.370 in parts of six seasons. He appeared in 151 games in 2024 and stole 23 bases in 29 attempts. He hit a career-high 14 home runs with 67 RBIs in 143 games in 2023.
Eighty-one games at Triple-A Tacoma this year produced a .280/.358/.446 line with 15 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, 69 RBIs and 27 steals in 28 attempts.
Taveras earned a World Series ring with the Rangers in 2023. He went 2-for-10 with a double, two RBIs and three walks against the Orioles in the American League Division Series.
Speed and center field defense, including plus-arm strength, make Taveras a possibility as an extra outfielder. The Orioles still have to decide whether to tender Dylan Carlson a contract and avoid arbitration.
Colton Cowser was the primary center fielder after the Orioles traded Cedric Mullins to the Mets at the deadline, but he could move back to left. Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Beavers also are on the roster to handle the corners, and Heston Kjerstad will get another shot if he proves that he’s healthy.
Because Taveras is out of options, he’d have to pass through waivers before being sent down to Triple-A. That’s a potential complication in carrying him. But the contract might preclude teams from making a claim, a strategy that’s worked in the past.
Think Emmanuel Rivera, for example.
The Taveras deal comes one day after the Orioles designated outfielder Daniel Johnson for assignment while claiming reliever George Soriano on waivers from the Marlins.
The free agent market opens today, with teams cleared to negotiate with players outside their organization. The Orioles need starters, relievers, probably another outfielder and perhaps a utility infielder. They also will continue to make moves aimed at strengthening their minor league depth.
Spanish broadcaster Mike Rodriguez first reported the Taveras agreement, which a source confirmed.
* Orioles minor league outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., pitchers Luis De León and Tanner Smith, and catcher Ethan Anderson were chosen to play in Sunday’s Arizona Fall League’s Fall Stars Game.
Bradfield, a first-round draft pick in 2023, is the organization’s No. 4 prospect, and De León is ranked 21st.
The Fall Stars Game airs at 8 p.m. on MLB Network.
