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Orioles Acquire 36-HR Outfielder Taylor Ward From Angels for RHP Grayson Rodriguez

The one-for-one swap pairs Baltimore’s short-term power need with Los Angeles’ long-term pitching play.

Image
Jul 31, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports/ File Photo
Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward flips his bat as he watches his three-run walkoff home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The Angels acquired right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, left, from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward, right, on Tuesday night, potentially filling one of their rotation holes and clearing a corner outfield logjam. (Photos by The Associated Press and Getty Images)

Overview

  • Both clubs announced the trade, sending Ward to Baltimore and Rodriguez to Los Angeles in a confirmed one-for-one deal.
  • Ward, 31, is coming off a career season with 36 home runs and 103 RBIs and is projected to earn about $13.7 million in his final arbitration year before free agency after 2026.
  • Rodriguez, 26, missed 2025 due to elbow and lat issues and had elbow debridement surgery in August, with an Angels spokesman saying he is expected to be ready for spring training.
  • Baltimore addresses its need for a right-handed power bat in left field, while the Angels add a controllable starter under team control through 2029 and ease a crowded corner outfield mix.
  • In 43 starts for the Orioles from 2023–24, Rodriguez went 20–8 with a 4.11 ERA and 259 strikeouts before injuries halted his progress.