Mariners Make Winning Move: Leody Taveras Joins the Team!

The Seattle Mariners have made a notable move, claiming outfielder Leody Taveras from the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have already brought back outfielder Evan Carter to fill his spot on the roster. To make room for Taveras, the Mariners designated right-hander Luis F. Castillo for assignment.

At 26, Taveras is joining a new team after spending his entire career with the Rangers. He signed with Texas as an international amateur in 2015 for a substantial bonus of $2.1 million. Over the years, he gained recognition as one of the club’s top prospects. While not a superstar, Taveras has contributed significantly through his speed and solid defense.

During his early MLB career, he struggled with strikeouts. However, in 2023, he improved, reducing his strikeout rate to 21.1%. He also hit 14 home runs, achieving a league-average performance with a .266 batting average. His contributions helped the Rangers win their first championship, and FanGraphs rated him at 2.4 wins above replacement (WAR) that year.

Last season marked a downturn in his performance. Though his walk rate increased slightly to 7.9%, he had just 12 home runs and saw his batting average drop. He ended the 2024 season with a .229 average and a disappointing 82 wRC+. Despite this, he still managed 23 stolen bases and produced 1.1 fWAR.

In 2025, Taveras has continued to struggle. In 82 plate appearances, he has a mere 2.4% walk rate and a 28% strikeout rate, posting a .241 average. This downturn reflects a broader trend within the Rangers, who have seen several of their players, including Marcus Semien and Joc Pederson, also underperform. The team recently changed its hitting coach, hoping to revive its struggling offense.

For the Mariners, this acquisition is a low-risk gamble, reminiscent of their successful pick-up of Víctor Robles last year. Robles, like Taveras, was once a highly regarded prospect who found success after joining Seattle.

Taveras’s positioning in right field should help the Mariners, especially with previous starters like Robles and Luke Raley dealing with injuries. The Mariners may use Taveras in various situations to optimize matchups, as he is a switch-hitter with notably better stats from the left side.

In recent seasons, statistics from the MLB show how player performance can fluctuate significantly, especially for young talent like Taveras. Such unpredictability often influences team strategies, which can shift rapidly based on player health and production.

As the season progresses, the Mariners will be looking to see how Taveras fits into their plans and whether he can recapture past success in a new environment.

For more insights and updates on player performances, you can check the latest from MLB.

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evan carter,leody taveras,luis castillo (b. 1995)