Rangers Outfielder 'Underrated' But Not Underappreciated

Leody Taveras is an often overlooked player in the Texas Rangers lineup, and it's easy to see why.

In 2023, he played with six All-Stars whose batting exploits typically deserved the limelight. 

Taveras, however, had a very solid 2023 season, both defensively in center field and at the plate.

So it's no surprise he was named to MLB.com's All-Underrated Team this week.

"Considered a glove-first prospect, the 25-year-old Taveras has turned out to be a serviceable bat with, perhaps, a lot more in the tank," MLB.com writer Anthony Castrovince reports. "Taveras paired his plus glove at this premier position with a 95 OPS+ over the past two seasons, or just below league average. Notably, though, in 2023, he barreled more balls (29) than in his first three seasons combined (22)."

Taveras batted .266 with 31 doubles, 14 home runs, 67 runs, and 67 RBIs in 143 games in 2023. He finished tied for second among center fielders with a .972 fielding percentage.

To be eligible for the All-Underrated Team, the following requirements had to be met:

• No All-Star appearances
• No BBWAA awards (MVP, Cy Young or Rookie of the Year)
• No Silver Slugger or Gold Glove honors
• No All-MLB Team honors
• No inclusion on MLB Network’s “Top 10 Right Now!” lists.
• No nine-figure contracts
• At least two years of service time.