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.

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.

With two outs and none on in a tie game in the bottom of the ninth, Taveras singled off Andrés Muñoz, stole second base and then scored on a Marcus Semien single. Before that, he homered off JT Chargois in the seventh inning to tie the game at 5-5. It probably rates as his best game in a rather disappointing 2024 season. He’s batting .231/.290/.359 in 510 plate appearances.