Discarded veteran outfielder is already trolling the Mariners in the minors

When the Seattle Mariners designated Leody Taveras for assignment, it felt like the end for a player whose stock had fallen sharply since his days as an everyday center fielder for the Texas Rangers. However, just days after clearing waivers and being outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma, Taveras is already making noise — and perhaps even putting immediate pressure on the Mariners front office.

Despite having enough service time to reject the outright assignment and test free agency, Taveras opted to stay put. It was a predictable decision that more than likely came down to money. With just under five years of service time, Taveras would’ve forfeited the remainder of his $4.75 million salary if he walked. Given the current market for struggling, glove-first outfielders, Taveras chose financial stability and a chance at rewriting his story in Tacoma.

Taveras shows the Mariners he doesn’t rattle easily with hot start in Tacoma

That bet on himself looks like it might just pay off. In his first three games with the Rainiers, Taveras has come out swinging — literally. He’s gone 7-for-12 with three RBIs, reminding everyone that, despite his fall from grace, the talent is still there. He hasn’t retreated into cruise control mode. He’s not pouting, not taking lazy swings in meaningless at-bats. Taveras is locked in — like a player trying to force the Mariners to reconsider.

Meanwhile in Seattle, Dominic Canzone is doing everything he can to hold the job that Taveras left behind. Injuries to Victor Robles and others opened a door for Canzone earlier this year, and while a poor performance resulted in another demotion, he’s returned showing signs of life in June. Through six games with the big league club, he’s slashing .263/.364/.474 with a home run, four RBIs, three walks, and a stolen base — modest but still promising production that warrants a longer look.

Still, Canzone can’t match Taveras in terms of big-league experience. And while Canzone brings more raw power, Taveras brings a more complete defensive skill set and switch-hitting flexibility. The question looming now is which version of Taveras the Mariners will get moving forward. If it’s the locked-in, high-contact version we’re seeing in Tacoma, Seattle might question another roster move in the future.

Robles likely won’t be back until September, and Luke Raley has just begun a rehab assignment, meaning the Mariners’ outfield picture will become even more crowded. For now, Canzone has the advantage of wearing a big-league uniform — but there’s no doubt he can hear the footsteps behind him.

As for Taveras, he’s doing exactly what he should — playing well enough to force a conversation. Whether it’s as trade bait or a potential call-up, Taveras is not quietly fading into the minor league abyss. He’s fighting — and trolling the Mariners just a little — with every base hit in Tacoma.