Leody

Taveras

Taveras has made four consecutive starts for Seattle in right field since being claimed off waivers last week from the division-rival Rangers. The 26-year-old appears poised to continue playing everyday, but hasn’t made much of an impact at the dish so far, hitting .214 (3-for-14) with three RBI and one steal.

Taveras will be making his Seattle debut against Gunnar Hoglund and the Athletics in the series finale. The 26-year-old has occasionally flashed offensive upside, but while he will get playing time against right-handed pitching, his chances of being a fantasy-relevant player seem slim based on his struggles the last year-plus.

The Mets seemed like maybe the best fit for Taveras among contenders, but he didn’t last that long on waivers. The Mariners definitely need the outfield depth with Victor Robles and Luke Raley on the IL. It’ll be quite a change for Taveras, who has never played the outfield corners as a major leaguer. He does have some minor league experience away from center, though. The 26-year-old has hit .240/.291/.370 in 1,825 plate appearances over six big-league seasons. Expect him to start against most righties for now. It’s unlikely that he’ll offer value outside of AL-only leagues. Rhylan Thomas will probably be optioned out once Taveras reports.

The 26-year-old outfielder can continue to play for the Rangers while on waivers. If he’s claimed, the team that claims him would have to assume the remainder of his $4.75 million salary for the 2025 season, which would be roughly $3.9 million. If he goes unclaimed, he would have the option to forfeit his remaining salary and elect free agency, or report to Triple-A Round Rock. Taveras has slashed just .241/.259/.342 in 79 at-bats for the Rangers this season with one home run, eight RBI and six stolen bases.

Pillar missed a couple of games while dealing with back soreness. He’ll return to the top of the lineup for Thursday’s finale against the A’s and left-handed hurler Jeffrey Springs. Leody Taveras will get the night off with the southpaw on the mound.

Not bad for a guy who was close to retiring just months ago. The Red Sox are throwing left-hander Garrett Crochet, so Pillar was likely always going to be in the lineup, but with Corey Seager taking the DH spot, that means Pillar got bumped to center field and Leody Taveras was pushed to the bench.

The 22-year-old has struggled this spring, going just 6-for-39 (.154) with 15 strikeouts in 42 plate appearances. Carter struggled both on the field and with injuries last season and had just 162 plate appearances in the big leagues. The Rangers will likely start him in Triple-A Round Rock with Leody Taveras manning center field and Kevin Pillar making the team as the fourth outfielder. Taveras has enough power and speed to be viable in deeper fantasy leagues since he hits in a strong Rangers lineup.

The Rangers are facing left-hander Kris Bubic and are putting out what looks to be an Opening Day lineup, with Josh Smith filling in at shortstop for Corey Seager, who is nursing a calf injury. With Evan Carter not in the lineup, Leody Taveras will play center field and Kevin Pillar will be the designated hitter. With Opening Day just two days away, this is a bit of a signal that Carter is not locked into everyday at-bats in Texas and will be in a bit of a timeshare with Taveras to start the season.

Taveras is hitting .214 in 28 at-bats, but he’s making them count. The 26-year-old is probably going to play behind Evan Carter for the most part initially this season, though things might work out differently in the long run. While Taveras has never been quite as successful as hoped, he’s still probably one of MLB’s top 30 center fielders.

While many assume that Taveras will be on the bench in Texas so that Wyatt Langford, Adolis Garcia, and Evan Carter can start; however, it might not be that simple. Taveras is a strong defender in center field while swiping 23 bases in 151 games. His value on the bases and on defense could keep him in the lineup more often than not.