Angels Articles

December 27, 2024 - Written by Alex Sukyas

Taylor Ward Analysis

Taylor Ward, 31-year-old outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels. He was drafted by the Halos in the 2015 June Amateur Draft, out of Cal State Fresno. He made his MLB debut in August of the 2018 season. Since then, he’s been a solid player for the Angels, having a career WAR of 7.1, and a career batting average of .252. He’s set to be a free agent in 2027, along with this, he’s arbitration eligible in 2025. But with his recent performances and team needs, it’s clear it’s time for him to go elsewhere via trade. The trade package the Angels would receive should be solid, as Ward’s 2024 season was one of his best. In 2024, Ward had a 2.3 WAR and batted .246. He hit 25 HRs and had 75 RBIs. A few of these stats are better than what is considered by many his best season, 2022. Ward did have a better batting average in 2022 compared to 2024. In 2022, Ward had a .281 batting average, which is significantly higher than his 2024 .246 BA. However, Ward’s 2024 HR and RBI total was higher than they were in 2022, where baseball saw Ward hit 23 HRs and 65 RBIs. What may discourage teams from trading for the 31-year-old, is a career high strikeout total this season, in which he tallied 163 SOs, 43 higher than his 2022 strikeout total of 120. Ward has also tended to miss large parts of recent seasons. The most games Ward has played in a single season was 156 in 2024, while his least was 20 in 2019. On average, he plays 78 games a season, which isn’t very appealing to teams, but his stat line makes up for it. Which teams are the best possible destinations, and what could the Angels get in exchange for the 31-year-old?

Kansas City Royals

The Royals reportedly spoke to the Angels about Ward in mid November, along with the Phillies about 3B Alec Bohm and the Reds about INF Jonathan India, who has since been traded to the Kansas City Royals. Since then, nothing new has come out about the Royals’ interest in Ward, as it is speculated that the Royals’ interest had died down after acquiring India along with OF Joey Wiemer. When it comes to how Ward will fit in KC’s lineup, the Royals could place Ward in Left Field over Royals LF MJ Melendez. When it comes to his place in the batting order, it depends on what happens between the hypothetical trade and opening day, but Ward will likely do well being paired up with former Angels RF Hunter Renfroe. Now, what would an Angels-Royals trade for Ward look like? While there is not an exact projected trade, it would likely be a couple prospects, or a ready now player such as Michael Massey, Maikel Garcia, Kris Bubic, Alec Marsh, among others.

Toronto Blue Jays

Trade rumors regarding Ward to Toronto are more recent. Toronto could use a Left Fielder, as they currently have Joey Loperfido playing left field, and Ward would be a major upgrade for them. Toronto missed the playoffs in 2024 despite having star power in Vlad Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer. 2024’s failures made it clear that Toronto needs to improve, especially since they are in a rapidly improving AL East. Ward would easily take the starting LF role in Toronto, pairing up with OF George Springer and OF/C Daulton Varsho, as well as potentially getting reps at 3B when needed. Unlike KC, a trade proposal has been speculated by Sporting News.

Other Teams in the mix?

Not many other teams have shown notable interest in Ward. When it comes to other teams, all fans can do is assume based on team needs. Teams that need a LF are SF, CIN, OAK, and MIN. The most suitable teams being MIN and SF. Minnesota currently has no notable LF as all notable OFs for them play either CF or RF. When it comes to San Francisco, their left fielder, Michael Conforto has recently left for the LA Dodgers, so they could use someone to fill that gap. Atlanta has also been a speculated trade destination at the Winter Meetings for Ward but their beat writer, Mark Bowman, stated the Braves were not the team at that moment. The trade rumor made by Mark Feinsand was later debunked by Ward’s agent along with Robert Murray of FanSided and Angels beat writer, Jeff Fletcher. There still is a chance the Angels are discussing a Taylor Ward trade however, but Perry typically works in the shadows.

Conclusion

I see Ward being traded this offseason. My likely destination for him is Toronto, with the Royals as a close second. Both teams could use a left fielder and have the farm systems to get it done. I do see how a Pittsburgh trade would work too, but due to recent quietness about the two teams and Ward, I doubt we will see Ward in Pittsburgh.

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