Why did Orioles sign Leody Taveras? | MAILBAG

Question: Here we go again. Why do the Orioles continue to sign guys like Leody Taveras? Not seeing how this signing is getting us back to the postseason. From: Gary Wurz

Answer: Gary, the Orioles need not only frontline players but reserves and players to populate Norfolk and Chesapeake’s rosters. Taveras had some good stats in 2023 and 2024 for Texas. He’s still young, and perhaps the Orioles see something in him that interests them.

Fans are often upset when seemingly minor signings or waiver claims are announced, but it takes more than 26 players to contend. I’m sure bigger moves are on the horizon, but sometimes these sorts of moves can turn out well. Most don’t, but some, like acquiring Ryan O’Hearn or Danny Coulombe or Jeremiah Jackson, turn out well.

Question: Is there any additional information on Ryan Mountcastle’s future with the Orioles? From: Nancy Giorno

Answer: Nancy, we’ll be hearing something within the next two weeks. The deadline to offer players eligible for arbitration is November 21^st at 8 p.m. By then, you’ll know if Mountcastle will stay with the Orioles for 2026 or is heading elsewhere.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.