SEATTLE — The Mariners have added outfielder Leody Taveras from the Texas Rangers in a move aimed at bolstering their lineup. The Rangers activated Evan Carter to take Taveras’ place on the roster, following his transfer. To facilitate this roster change, the Mariners designated right-hander Luis F. Castillo for assignment, creating space on their 40-man roster.
At 26 years old, Taveras is transitioning to a new organization for the first time since joining Major League Baseball. He was signed by the Rangers as an international amateur in 2015, receiving a significant bonus of $2.1 million. Over the years, Taveras emerged as a top prospect within the Rangers’ system and was recognized as one of the prominent young talents in the league, although he has not yet fully realized that promise at the major league level.
While Taveras has shown flashes of brilliance with his speed and defensive skills, his offensive production has been inconsistent. In 2023, he managed to improve his strikeout rate, lowering it to 21.1 percent. Although his walk rate was modest at 6.3 percent, he did hit 14 home runs, yielding a batting line of .266/.312/.421, which translated to a league-average offensive performance.
However, his offensive metrics declined in the following season. His walk rate increased slightly to 7.9 percent, while his strikeout rate held steady. His home run total decreased to 12 amidst a smaller number of plate appearances, contributing to a batting average of .229 and a corresponding wRC+ of 82. Nevertheless, his notable defensive skills and base-running ability helped him maintain a positive fWAR of 1.1.
In 2025, Taveras’ struggles have continued, as he has recorded a mere 2.4 percent walk rate and an alarming 28 percent strikeout rate through 82 plate appearances, resulting in a batting line of .241/.259/.342. This decline coincides with a broader offensive slump for the Rangers, prompting the organization to make roster changes, including the dismissal of offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker.
The Mariners’ acquisition of Taveras reflects a low-risk strategy, reminiscent of their successful pickup of Víctor Robles last season. After struggling with the Nationals, Robles rejuvenated his career in Seattle, leading the Mariners to sign him to a minor extension shortly thereafter. Unfortunately for the Mariners, Robles is currently sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, while Luke Raley has also landed on the injured list with an oblique strain.
In the meantime, the Mariners have been adjusting their lineup with inexperienced players like Rhylan Thomas and Miles Mastrobuoni, both of whom have struggled to make significant contributions. Dylan Moore has recently returned from injury, but his role may lean toward the infield, as third baseman Ben Williamson has underperformed.
As Taveras joins the Mariners, he is likely to be considered for a role in right field, although his major league experience has been primarily in center field. Given that Julio Rodriguez occupies center on a daily basis, Taveras could find opportunities to play in the corners, adapting to comply with the team’s needs.
The transition period may also lead to interesting matchups, as Taveras is a switch-hitter with stronger performance against left-handed pitchers. Given the Mariners’ existing roster composition, they may experiment with platoon strategies to maximize offensive output against tougher opponents.
The Mariners’ acquisition of Taveras signifies their ongoing pursuit to find value in players who have yet to reach their full potential, as they aim to bolster their roster amid the team’s current challenges.