Mariners quickly learning the Leody Taveras reality that Rangers already knew

It's been about a month since Leody Taveras was released by the Texas Rangers and claimed by AL West Division rival Seattle Mariners. And by now, he's spent more time in a Mariners' jersey this season then he did in Texas.

Somehow, that experiment for the team in the Pacific Northwest has been as bad, or even worse, than it was in Texas. This is less than an "I told you so" and more "Welcome to our pain" moment.

Seattle learning hard truth that Rangers had to face earlier this year about Leody Taveras

Taveras was released by the Rangers and subsequently claimed on waivers by Seattle on May 6, making his debut with the team the following day. He's since appeared in 25 games for Seattle and is slashing .185/.212/.296 with two homers, eight RBIs, 24 strikeouts to just three walks and a .508 OPS.

The harsh reality about that is it somehow is worse than his 2025 tenure with Texas in about five more at-bats. In Texas, Taveras at least hit over the .200 mark and managed to find an OPS over .600 but still he's shown zero signs of being a better player.

He's had his moments as a Mariner. He's come up with some clutch hits and even this outfield putout, nailing his former Rangers' teammate Nathaniel Lowe at the plate to prevent him from scoring the tying run.

Beyond that, the Mariners are experiencing all the stages of disappointment and wonder watching Taveras hit and play the outfield.

Seattle is however, better inclined to keep Taveras around because they are already struggling with outfield help and Taveras is just one of three outfielders on their depth chart alongside Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena. Even with that, the Mariners team is in better shape than Texas, sitting second place in the division and actually above the .500 mark.

Texas had a struggling offense when they released Taveras and in an effort to turn things around they wanted to make a young outfield the focus and finally recall Evan Carter from Triple-A. Unfortunately it hasn't work yet for the Rangers but it still doesn't change the fact that getting Taveras off the team was a move that needed to be made.

Only time will tell if Seattle and hitting coach Edgar Martinez find a way to transform Leody's offensive production. But for right now, the Mariners and their fans are experience the same thing Rangers' fans felt watching Taveras in the lineup everyday.