2nd in the series, many believed the Angels would deal
Taylor Ward at the Trade Deadline. That didn't happen-- not because the Angels didn't have suitors, but because the Angels are the Angels. Ward is a very good player, but he's 30 and remarkably unlikely to be a part of the next good Anaheim team.
In 2024, Ward took a slight step back in his counting numbers. He ended up playing a full season, but the .246 BA and .323 OBP were decidedly less than either his exceptional 2022 or his rather bland 2023. He's serviceable offensively and has been for three seasons.
The Case For:
- His track record suggests Ward is an above average bat.
- He
kills LHP, to the tune of .287/ .355/ .450/ .805 over his career.
- Ward is a very good defensive OF, capable in either corner. He was +4 OOA according to Statcast.
- Speaking of Statcast, that page he owns is very intriguing: Good walk rate, elite sweet-spot ability and chase percentage numbers, very good barrel, xSLG, wwOBA, and other numbers too.
- Ward has pop in his bat. Had he played last year in Cincinnati only, he'd have had 34 HR. That'll absolutely play as a cleanup hitter.
- Ward has a high floor-- he's almost assuredly an above average bat and a quality defender. He led the AL in range factor last year in a rather cavernous home park.
- Ward is a 2027 FA, so he's controllable (and fairly cheap) for a few more seasons.
The Case Against:
- A 740 career OPS against RHP doesn't exactly scream difference-maker.
- If he's cheap and decent with a high floor, he's likely to be expensive in terms of trade prospects.
- His five errors led AL LF. In Cincinnati, where he won't need to show as much range, the errors might overshadow his other defensive tools.
- He's arbitration eligible in 2025, so his cheapest years are behind him-- and his parent club. Likely to get expensive relatively soon.
Angels' Team Need:
- According the MLB, LA needs young talent, especially at 3B and CF. They can always use pitching too.