Overview
- Baltimore and Los Angeles completed the trade Tuesday night, with both clubs announcing the player-for-player swap.
- Ward, 31, is coming off career highs in 2025 with 36 home runs and 103 RBIs and has primarily played left field.
- Ward is arbitration-eligible for 2026 and can become a free agent after that season, while the 26-year-old Rodriguez is under Angels control through 2029.
- Rodriguez missed all of 2025 and underwent elbow debridement surgery in August, with reports indicating an expected spring 2026 return and ongoing questions about durability.
- The Orioles targeted a right-handed power bat to bolster their lineup, as the Angels sought controllable starting pitching to strengthen a thin staff.