Leody Taveras Biography – Explore Leody Taveras’ 2025 biography, tracing his career from a high-profile signing and World Series triumph to a pivotal move to the Seattle Mariners. Learn about his early life, family, career highlights, net worth, and quotes that define his journey.
Leody Taveras Salazar, born on September 8, 1998, is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Seattle Mariners. He was claimed off outright waivers from the Texas Rangers on May 6, 2025. Originally signed by Texas in 2015 with a $2.6 million bonus as an international free agent, Taveras made his MLB debut in 2020.
He became a World Series champion in 2023 as part of the Rangers’ historic playoff run. Known primarily for his elite defensive skills and exceptional speed, he faced offensive struggles in 2024, slashing .229/.289/.352, which ultimately led to his placement on waivers.
By the 2025 season, Taveras had posted a .241/.259/.342 slash line over 82 plate appearances. This comprehensive biography outlines his background, family life, professional milestones, accomplishments, and current status as of May 7, 2025.
Leody Taveras Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Summary |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated between $5 million and $10 million, based on MLB salaries, signing bonuses, and endorsements. |
| Age | 26 years old (born September 8, 1998). |
| Quotes | Famous for saying: “This means a lot for us” (2025). |
| Early Life | Born in Tenares, Dominican Republic. |
| Education | Did not attend college; dedicated his youth to baseball development. |
| Wikipedia Presence | Listed as a former Rangers outfielder and 2023 World Series champion. |
| Accomplishments | 2023 World Series winner; 2018 All-Star Futures Game participant. |
| Family | Married to Genny; father of three: Leyron, Leryson, and Emma; cousin to MLB outfielder Willy Taveras. |
| Career Achievements | Career-high 14 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 2024; five-RBI game in 2023. |
| Awards | 2022 Minor League Platinum Glove winner. |
Early Life: Dominican Dreams
Leody Taveras was born in Tenares, a town known for its passion for baseball. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, with his cousin Willy Taveras having played in Major League Baseball. Leody quickly emerged as one of the Dominican Republic’s most promising young talents. At age 16, he signed with the Texas Rangers as a highly regarded international prospect, securing a $2.6 million signing bonus. From an early age, his training emphasized speed and outfield defense, which became the cornerstones of his game.
Education: Baseball Over Books
Taveras chose to forgo formal academic education in favor of pursuing a professional baseball career. He trained in various baseball academies throughout the Dominican Republic. At 17, he began his professional journey in the Dominican Summer League in 2016, where he posted a .271 batting average in his debut season. There is no record of college attendance, as his focus remained entirely on athletic development.
Career
Minor Leagues
Taveras rapidly ascended the minor league system after signing in 2015. By 2017, he was considered the Rangers’ top overall prospect. He showcased his tools with Class-A Hickory (.249 in 2017), Class-A Advanced Down East (.246 in 2018), and eventually Double-A Frisco. His 2018 performance earned him a selection to the All-Star Futures Game. In 2022, with Triple-A Round Rock, he posted his most productive minor league numbers, slashing .294/.335/.485.
MLB Journey
Taveras made his major league debut on July 24, 2020. During his first season, he appeared in 33 games and hit .227. In 2023, he enjoyed a breakout campaign, slashing .266/.312/.421, hitting 14 home runs, 31 doubles, stealing 23 bases, and contributing 2.9 wins above replacement (bWAR). He was instrumental in the Rangers’ postseason success, starting all 17 playoff games and providing elite defense, though his playoff batting average dipped to .175.
However, his offensive production declined in 2024. Despite hitting 12 home runs and stealing 23 bases, he finished with a .229/.289/.352 line. Defensively, he recorded -10 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) but retained value with +5 in Fielding Run Value (FRV). His season was also impacted by a left oblique strain that delayed his start.
2025 Waiver and Mariners Chapter
In the 2025 season, Leody Taveras appeared in 29 games for the Rangers, hitting .241 with a .259 on-base percentage and a .342 slugging mark. With the emergence of younger outfielder Evan Carter, Taveras began losing starts. On May 4, the Rangers placed him on outright waivers in an attempt to free up $3.8 million of his $4.75 million salary. The Seattle Mariners claimed him on May 6, 2025, taking on the remainder of his contract through 2027. In Seattle, he is expected to serve as a fourth outfielder or potentially platoon with others in their deep outfield rotation.
Net Worth: Modest Earnings
Taveras’ net worth is estimated to fall between $5 million and $10 million. This figure includes his $4.75 million salary for 2025, his initial $2.6 million signing bonus from 2015, and various endorsement deals. As a Super Two player, he remains eligible for salary arbitration through 2027. Any claims suggesting a $20 million net worth are considered exaggerated.
Quotes: Team Spirit
Taveras has earned recognition for his humble and team-oriented mindset. Notable quotes from him include:
- “This means a lot for us” (2025)
- “Everything was working perfect” (2025)
- “He’s the man for us” (2023, referring to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy)
Accomplishments: World Series Glory
Taveras’ crowning achievement came in 2023 when he helped lead the Rangers to their first-ever World Series title. He started every postseason game, making key defensive contributions. He also participated in the 2018 All-Star Futures Game, a showcase for top minor league talent. One of his most memorable regular-season performances came in 2023, when he drove in five runs in a single game against the Houston Astros.
Family: Growing Household
Leody Taveras is married to Genny, and the couple has three children: Leyron (born in 2017), Leryson (born in 2019), and Emma (born in 2023). He maintains a relatively private family life. Taveras also comes from a baseball-influenced lineage, as he is a cousin to former major leaguers Willy and Luis Taveras.
Awards and Recognition
Taveras was awarded the 2022 Minor League Platinum Glove, which recognizes the best defensive player in the entire minor league system. He was also consistently named the Rangers’ top defensive outfielder between 2017 and 2019. While his glove work has often been praised by analysts and fans alike, some critics have labeled him as a replaceable player due to his inconsistent offensive output.
Taveras in 2025: A New Chapter
Following his waiver claim by the Seattle Mariners, Taveras now finds himself in a new environment. With stars like Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena already in the Mariners’ outfield, his role may be limited. Still, his .241 batting average and six stolen bases in just 29 games suggest he may offer value off the bench or in specific matchups. Observers remain intrigued by his potential to rebound in a new setting.
Conclusion
Leody Taveras’ career reflects a blend of elite defense, intermittent offensive success, and constant adaptation. At 26, with a World Series ring and millions earned, his recent move to Seattle offers a fresh opportunity to prove his value. Whether he thrives in a new role or battles to reclaim a starting job, Taveras’ story continues to unfold, marked by resilience and defensive brilliance.
FAQs About Leody Taveras
What is Leody Taveras’ most famous quote?
“This means a lot for us” – a reflection of his team-first mentality.
Where did Leody Taveras grow up?
He was born and raised in Tenares, Dominican Republic.
What are Leody Taveras’ major accomplishments?
Winning the 2023 World Series, participating in the 2018 All-Star Futures Game, and earning a 2022 Minor League Platinum Glove.
What is Leody Taveras’ net worth?
Estimated at $5 million to $10 million as of 2025.
What’s new for Leody Taveras in 2025?
He was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners on May 6, 2025, after being released by the Texas Rangers.
