BREAK: Angels receiving superstar trade
The Angels have started “listening to inquiries” about players on their roster, including outfielder Taylor Ward, as reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Jeff Passan identified Ward and fellow outfielder Jo Adell as potential trade candidates but noted that general manager Perry Minasian is demanding significant returns for either player.
It’s not surprising that the Angels are considering selling this summer. Despite losing Shohei Ohtani in free agency, they attempted to field a competitive roster in 2024, which hasn’t worked out due to injuries and underperformance. Mike Trout has been on the injured list for over a month following knee surgery. The team’s major offseason acquisition, Robert Stephenson, required Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire season. Additionally, Anthony Rendon, Brandon Drury, and Chase Silseth are also on the IL, and players like Reid Detmers, Mickey Moniak, and Nolan Schanuel have struggled.
These factors have significantly diminished the team’s chances of competing. They currently hold a 24-38 record, are 11 games behind in the AL West, and are nine games out of the final AL wild-card spot. According to FanGraphs, the Angels have a 0.6% chance of making the playoffs, while Baseball Prospectus’s PECOTA standings give them just a 0.1% chance.
Last summer, the Angels were close to contention and opted to go for it while Ohtani was still on the team, a decision that backfired as many players acquired were later placed on waivers. This year, the decision to sell is clearer. Minasian and his team aim to acquire younger players to strengthen the farm system for future seasons.
Ward is a logical trade candidate. He can be retained through arbitration for two more seasons, but the Angels’ chances of contending within that period seem slim due to their poorly rated farm system. Additionally, Ward, a late bloomer, is on the older side for a player in his arbitration years, turning 31 in December and approaching 33 when he reaches free agency.
Despite this, Ward should attract interest from teams seeking immediate upgrades. He has hit 11 home runs this year, maintains a solid 9.7% walk rate, and has a batting line of .253/.322/.445, translating to a wRC+ of 116, indicating he’s been 16% above league average. This performance aligns with previous seasons, where he hit .265/.346/.449 from 2021-2023 for a 121 wRC+.
Defensively, Ward has three Outs Above Average in his career. While his -12 Defensive Runs Saved is less impressive, it has been closer to league average since the start of 2023. With a modest $4.8 million salary this year and two more years of club control, his salary is manageable for most teams, and his performance makes him a valuable asset.
Potential suitors could include the Phillies, who have a weak outfield with Brandon Marsh injured and Nick Castellanos and Johan Rojas struggling at the plate, and the Royals, who are 37-26 despite minimal contributions from their outfield. The Mariners, currently leading the AL West but struggling offensively, recently fired their offensive coordinator and took a chance on Víctor Robles. Atlanta is seeking outfield help with Ronald Acuna Jr. out for the year, and other teams like the Cardinals, Dodgers, Rangers, and Diamondbacks might also be interested.
A controllable position player like Ward can command substantial value. Recently, the Marlins traded Luis Arraez to the Padres for a four-player package, including three prospects now listed in Miami’s top 10 at Baseball America. Though Ward is older and not quite the same caliber of hitter as Arraez, he offers an additional year of control and a lower salary, making him an appealing trade target.
With the expanded postseason and many teams around .500, this summer could see a seller’s market. The Angels, clearly out of contention this year, could capitalize on this, with Ward being one of their most attractive assets.