Overview
- The trade was finalized late Tuesday, sending outfielder Taylor Ward to Baltimore and right-hander Grayson Rodriguez to Los Angeles.
- Ward, 31, is coming off a career year with 36 home runs and 103 RBIs and is under club control only through the 2026 season.
- Rodriguez, 26, missed all of 2025 with lat and elbow issues and had elbow debridement surgery in August, with team officials indicating a spring return is possible.
- The Angels gain four years of control on Rodriguez through 2029, clear a corner-outfield logjam, and free salary after moving Ward’s projected $13.7 million arbitration year.
- Analysts note the Orioles still must address starting-pitching needs after parting with Rodriguez, while the Angels continue to seek a center fielder, a third baseman, and at least one more starter.