The Baltimore Orioles have completed a notable trade, sending right-hander Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward. This move marks a significant shift for both teams as they adjust their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.
Rodriguez, who missed the entire 2025 season due to persistent arm injuries, has shown flashes of his talent since his MLB debut in 2023. The 26-year-old struggled with shoulder issues and a lat strain last season, and a shoulder injury also hindered him during the 2024 campaign. Rodriguez’s early career was impacted by injuries in 2022, limiting him to just 75 2/3 innings in the minor leagues prior to his debut. Despite those setbacks, he remains under team control through 2029, and Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias expressed optimism regarding his potential recovery for spring training.
Elias referred to Rodriguez as a “real wild card for us talent-wise,” highlighting the hope that the talented righty can rebound into a valuable asset. The Orioles will look to leverage Rodriguez’s arm for enhanced offensive power as they aim for a competitive squad.
On the other side, the Angels welcome Taylor Ward, a versatile outfielder who recently set a career high with 36 home runs last season. The 31-year-old Ward has demonstrated solid performance since becoming a regular in 2022, amassing a total of 98 home runs over that span. His batting average dropped to .228 last year, but his slugging percentage soared to a career-best .475, while he also reached the milestone of driving in over 100 runs for the first time in his career.
Ward, a first-round pick by the Angels in 2015, is projected to earn approximately $13.7 million in his final year of arbitration. Throughout his career, he has transitioned from catching to various infield and outfield positions, most recently playing exclusively in left field since 2023. His addition comes at a crucial time for the Angels, who face some uncertainty in their outfield composition, which currently features players like Jo Adell and Jorge Soler alongside stalwart Mike Trout, who is expected to serve as the designated hitter.
The trade signifies a strategic direction for both franchises, with the Orioles looking to strengthen their lineup while the Angels aim to shore up their outfield depth as they prepare for the upcoming season. As both teams adapt, it will be interesting to see how Rodriguez and Ward impact their new clubs moving forward.