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.
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