Jerry Dipoto's 2025 losing streak continues after Mariners admit defeat with Leody Taveras

There’s no dressing this one up. Jerry Dipoto’s latest gamble has become yet another swing-and-miss.

When the Seattle Mariners acquired Leody Taveras from the Texas Rangers in May, the hope was that a change of scenery might unlock the untapped potential of the switch-hitting outfielder with speed, defense, and years of team control. Instead, it’s become a costly gamble for a front office that continues to lose the benefit of the doubt.

In 98 plate appearances for Seattle, Taveras managed just a .174/.198/.272 slash line with a 27.6 strikeout percentage. That’s correct, he walked just three times in nearly 100 plate appearances and slugged barely above .270.

Now, barely a month after his acquisition, the Mariners have designated Taveras for assignment. He’ll either be traded or placed on waivers within the next five days.

Another roster gamble backfires as Mariners DFA Leody Taveras

If no team bites — and given the $2.86 million remaining on his $4.75 million salary, it’s a strong possibility — Taveras could find himself in Tacoma, as he lacks the service time to reject an outright assignment. While any team that claims him would gain control through 2027, it’s hard to see a team volunteering to pay that price for a player who has looked lost at the plate and in the outfield.

What’s more concerning is how this move underscores the financial corner Dipoto continues to back himself into. Taveras' salary constricted a payroll that was already stretched to its limit, leaving the Mariners with limited flexibility with the trade deadline approaching in a little under two months. The bet on Taveras wasn’t just a miss — it was a misallocation of scarce resources.

This miscalculation comes amid growing tension around Dipoto’s roster construction. Former Mariners first baseman Justin Turner didn’t hold back during spring training when he called out the front office’s lack of urgency in building a complete team. With the Mariners once again relying on a patchwork offense and dollar-store solutions, Turner’s criticisms are aging like a fine wine.

Even before he landed in Seattle, Taveras was showing signs of decline. He’d been DFA’d by Texas after hitting just .241/.259/.342 with a career-worst strikeout rate and deteriorating metrics. While his underlying numbers have slightly rebounded since the move, the actual results had only gotten worse — less contact and far less production.

In a corresponding move, the Mariners recalled Dominic Canzone from Triple-A Tacoma. It’s a familiar name for M’s fans — Canzone hit just .196/.271/.381 in 188 plate appearances last season and opened 2025 buried behind other outfield options. However in Tacoma, he’s been tearing the cover off the ball. Slashing .296/.360/.564 with 13 homers and a 9.1 walk percentage. His first game back with the big league club? A clutch, game-tying two-run homer in the ninth inning — the kind of impact the Mariners hoped to get from Taveras.

The contrast is glaring. One player couldn’t deliver when it mattered. The other is forcing his way into the conversation. But for Dipoto, the pressure is mounting. Between another flop with Taveras, former players like Turner airing his grievances, and a budget that’s running dry, the “Trader Jerry” magic is wearing thin. The Mariners are still in the postseason mix, but every misfire makes the climb steeper. And right now, Dipoto’s 2025 ledger is looking more red than electric.