Rangers Announce Leody Taveras Outright Waivers: What This Means for the Team and Fans

The Texas Rangers have placed outfielder Leody Taveras on outright waivers. This means he can keep playing for the team until another one claims him. If he is picked up, his new team will take on the remaining $3.8 million of his contract for 2025.

Taveras has over three years of Major League service time. This affects his waiver status significantly. If he goes unclaimed, he can reject a minor league assignment and become a free agent. However, doing so would mean losing that $3.8 million.

This situation puts Taveras at a crossroads. Another team could claim him off waivers before he has to make a tough decision. Although metrics on his defense are mixed, he has shown strength in center field, notably in the Outs Above Average stat. Moving him to a corner outfield spot could enhance his defensive value.

Offensively, Taveras’s performance has been subpar. This season, he has only hit .241 with a low on-base percentage of .259. His career numbers reflect this struggle, showcasing an overall below-average hitter trend. He peaked at a league-average offensive performance during the Rangers’ 2023 championship season but has not maintained that level consistently.

As a Super Two player, Taveras has two years left for arbitration. A claiming team would secure his services through the 2027 season. The Rangers didn’t show signals of wanting to cut him loose after a disappointing 2024. There were also trade talks earlier in the year, but no deals materialized.

Claiming Taveras could benefit the Rangers financially. They are aiming to stay below the $241 million luxury tax threshold, and his departure would create some space. Currently, they sit at approximately $237.1 million, leaving little room for errors as the season progresses.

If Taveras leaves, the Rangers have other options. Kevin Pillar, Dustin Harris, or Josh Smith might fill the center field role. Utilizing Smith could also keep his bat active, which is vital for a struggling lineup. Former top prospect Evan Carter is another potential option, though he’s currently having a tough time at Triple-A.

In summary, Taveras is at a crucial moment in his career. His future depends on team decisions and whether another franchise sees potential in him. The coming days will be telling for both Taveras and the Rangers.



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