Sep 24, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward (3) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In a move that no one saw coming, the Orioles traded pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward.
Rodriguez, the Orioles’ first-round draft pick in 2018, hasn’t pitched since July 31st, 2024. He had surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow in August.
The 26-year-old Rodriguez finishes his Orioles career with a 20-8 record and a 4.11 ERA in 43 starts in 2023 and 2024.
Ward, a 31-year-old, fills the Orioles’ need for a right-handed power hitting outfielder. In 157 games, Ward hit .228 with 36 home runs and 103 RBIs and a .792 OPS. He struck out 175 times and walked 75. Ward’s OPS against left-handed pitching was .918.
He has one year before he’s eligible for free agency, and MLBTradeRumors.com estimates his 2026 salary as $13.7 million.
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.
On Wednesday, new Orioles reliever Ryan Helsley spoke with the media about why he chose…
Question: Does the recent signing of Ryan Helsley mean Tyler Wells will be a starter,…
Longtime Orioles centerfielder Cedric Mullins has agreed to a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay…
At next week’s Winter Meetings in Orlando, Orioles beat reporters will get an opportunity to…
While accumulating as many interviews as possible with current and former players and managers, front…