Why the Padres should take a low-risk swing at this recently DFA’d outfielder

On June 9th, the Seattle Mariners quietly designated Leody Taveras for assignment — a move that sent ripples through the fanbase, not just because of the price they absorbed to acquire him, but also because it represents the rapid unraveling of a once-promising talent.

Just a year ago, Taveras was patrolling center field daily for the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers. Now, he’s floating through waivers, his career hanging in the balance. And if he makes it down to the San Diego Padres unclaimed? They should absolutely pounce.

Why? Because this is a low-risk swing with actual upside — and the Padres desperately need help in left field.

Leody Taveras could be a smart pickup for the Padres

Let’s be blunt, left field production in San Diego has been abysmal in 2025:

• WAR: -0.5 (25th in MLB)
• Home Runs: 4 (27th)
• Walk Rate: 5.6% (27th)
• Batting Average: .203 (28th)
• wRC+: 57 (28th)

These aren’t just bad numbers — they’re “actively hurting the team” bad. The corner outfield spot has become a revolving door of replacement-level at-bats, with the Padres playing mix-and-match games and getting absolutely nowhere.

And while Tyler Wade has held his own recently, he’s more valuable in a utility role than as a long-term fixture out in left field. The Padres need someone who can offer defensive stability, switch-hit matchups, and maybe catch lightning in a bottle with the bat.

No, Taveras isn’t the five-tool stud many thought he might become. His statline with Texas before being designated for assignment (.241/.259/.342) was ugly, and his strikeout rate ballooned. However his stint in Seattle showed some subtle improvements in approach and contact quality — even if the stat line didn’t fully reflect it.

Taveras still brings a handful of tools that make him worth a gamble. He’s flashed top tier sprint speed throughout his career, offering both outfield range and stolen base upside. Defensively, he's more than capable in center field with above-average instincts, which would translate well to left field at Petco Park. His arm strength is solid enough to deter baserunners, particularly in the spacious gaps of the Padre’s outfield. Offensively, his switch-hitting profile gives manager Mike Shildt added flexibility, especially when facing right-handed pitching.

And let’s be honest — even a moderate version of Taveras would be an improvement over what San Diego has gotten out of left field thus far. It’s hard to see the risk as this is a pure upside play.

If it doesn’t work? Cut bait. If it does? You’ve added a switch-hitting, defense-first outfielder with some untapped tools — possibly even a valuable bench weapon come August.

Think of Taveras less as a savior and more as a strategic depth add. He won’t change the Padres’ postseason outlook overnight, but he could help stabilize a position of need while buying the front office time before the trade deadline. And if San Diego does land a big fish like Jarren Duran next month, Taveras could slide into a late-game defensive or pinch-running role on a contending roster.

This is the kind of move smart teams make — low cost, low commitment, and potentially meaningful return. Leody Taveras may not be the star he was once projected to be, but the Padres don’t need a star right now. They just need competence in left field. And maybe avoiding another week of sub-.200 production out there.