Orioles Acquire Veteran Outfielder Taylor Ward from Angels in Key Swap

Taylor Ward, who will turn 32 next month, was acquired by the Baltimore Orioles from the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday in exchange for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez. The Orioles sought a power-hitting outfielder and see Ward, entering his final season before free agency, as a solution to provide steady production alongside Colton Cowser and Tyler O'Neil. Ward, originally drafted 26th overall as a catcher in 2015, transitioned through third base to left field. He overhauled his swing, leading to a patient-yet-powerful approach that resulted in a .237/.320/.450 slash line with 61 home runs and 178 RBIs from 2024 to 2025, ranking 25th in chase rate among 316 hitters. For the Angels, trading Ward helped clear a glut of corner outfielders, including Mike Trout, Jo Adell, and Jorge Soler, as they look to add a center fielder.