Mandy
In a move that addressed immediate needs for both organizations, the Baltimore Orioles acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels, sending right-hander Grayson Rodriguez in return.
The one-for-one trade offers Baltimore an experienced power bat while giving the Angels a potential frontline starter.
Orioles Boost Their Outfield
The Orioles entered the offseason searching for a power-hitting outfielder, and Ward fits that role perfectly as he approaches his final season before free agency.
Ward, who turns 32 next month, was originally drafted as a catcher in 2015 before transitioning to third base and eventually settling in left field.
Over the past two seasons, Ward developed a more patient and powerful approach at the plate, delivering strong production:
- .237/.320/.450 slash line from 2024–2025
- 61 home runs and 178 RBIs
- Ranked 25th out of 316 MLB players in chase rate
With Ward joining Baltimore, he brings added reliability to a mix that includes Colton Cowser and Tyler O’Neill.
His arrival also contributes to balancing the Angels’ overcrowded corner outfield depth, which features Mike Trout, Jo Adell, and Jorge Soler. Los Angeles is now expected to pursue a true center fielder.
Angels Invest In Rotation Help
The Angels needed a top-tier starting pitcher, and Rodriguez provides the potential to become exactly that. The 26-year-old, drafted 11th overall in 2018, is under team control for four more seasons.
Rodriguez showed strong promise early in his career, posting:
- A 4.11 ERA across 238⅔ innings
- 259 strikeouts and 78 walks from 2023–2024
However, elbow issues surfaced during 2025, eventually resulting in debridement surgery to remove bone chips. The procedure caused him to miss the entire season, though he is projected to be fully healthy for spring training.
A Promising Career Interrupted
Rodriguez once looked poised to become the ace of Baltimore’s rotation. He finished his rookie 2023 campaign with a stellar 2.26 ERA over his final 12 starts, then opened 2024 strong, recording a 3.86 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 116⅔ innings before a lat/teres injury shut him down late in the season.
Baltimore initially used Rodriguez’s presence as a reason not to pursue outside pitching aggressively, but once his injury resurfaced in 2025, it contributed heavily to the Orioles falling short of expectations.
With his departure, Baltimore may now pursue additional rotation upgrades more urgently.
The trade between the Orioles and Angels addresses critical needs on both sides. Baltimore gains a proven offensive presence in Taylor Ward, while Los Angeles acquires a high-upside starter in Grayson Rodriguez, banking on a full recovery.
If both players perform to potential, this swap could significantly benefit both franchises moving forward.