2025 MLB Offseason Trade: Orioles Acquire Taylor Ward from Angels for Grayson Rodriguez

Big trade alert in the 2025 MLB offseason: The Baltimore Orioles picked up outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels, sending starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez the other way. ESPN's Jeff Passan dropped the scoop on X:

This swap makes sense for both sides. The Orioles had a solid 2025 but need more pop in the outfield after some free agents left. Ward fits that bill perfectly. The Angels, dealing with thin pitching all year, get a talented young starter in Rodriguez, even though he sat out 2025 with an injury. Both teams are tweaking rosters for 2026.

 Taylor Ward's Stats

At 31, Taylor Ward crushed it in 2025 for the Angels, locking in as a key outfielder. Check his numbers:

He's a righty hitter and thrower, 6'1" and 215 lbs. Those 36 homers ranked him top-10 in the league, thanks to his pull power and solid plate discipline (21.3% chase rate, one of the best). He plays mostly left but can slide to right no problem.

Grayson Rodriguez's Stats

Grayson Rodriguez, 25, was building into a top starter for Baltimore but missed all of 2025 with a right lat/teres strain that kept him out after needing long rehab. He's a big righty at 6'5" and 230 lbs, with a nasty fastball and slider. His stats:

His 2024 showed ace stuff with tons of Ks and better control. He's cheap under team control for years, but that injury adds risk as he bounces back for 2026.

Baltimore Orioles Depth Chart

This deal gives the Orioles a real shot in the arm for their outfield power, though it leaves their rotation a bit thinner (they still have plenty of young arms to cover). Catcher is locked up with Adley Rutschman, Samuel Basallo waiting in the wings and Alex Jackson as depth. First base looks like Coby Mayo's job, with Ryan Mountcastle and Basallo able to spell him. Second base belongs to Jackson Holliday, third to Jordan Westburg, and shortstop to Gunnar Henderson, with all three able to shift around as needed.

The outfield just got a lot more dangerous. Taylor Ward slides right in as the everyday left fielder or corner bat, pushing Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers into a platoon/rotation mix while Tyler O'Neill holds down right field. Center belongs to Cowser or Leody Taveras. DH will likely be a rotation of Mountcastle, O'Neill, and Basallo.

On the mound, Kyle Bradish leads the rotation, followed by Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer, and Tyler Wells, with Chayce McDermott and others ready to step up now that Rodriguez is gone. The bullpen is still one of the best in baseball: Felix Bautista slams the door, Yennier Cano and Andrew Kittredge set up, and Keegan Akin, Colin Selby, and a deep group of hard throwers give manager Craig Albernaz plenty of options.

Angels Pitching Rotation

The Angels needed starting pitching in the worst way after 2025, and Grayson Rodriguez instantly becomes their best healthy arm (when he's back to full speed). He slots in as the No. 1 or high-end No. 2 behind Yusei Kikuchi (if they re-sign him), followed by Jose Soriano, Reid Detmers, and prospects like Caden Dana, Victor Mederos, and Sam Aldegheri. The bullpen has solid pieces in Ryan Zeferjahn, Brock Burke, Robert Stephenson, Chase Silseth, and Jose Fermin, but it's still a work in progress.

Losing Ward's bat stings. Jo Adell likely moves to left field full-time, Mike Trout stays in right or shifts to DH more often, and center field is up for grabs between Bryce Teodosio, Gustavo Campero, and whoever else they bring in. This trade is a clear bet on Rodriguez's upside to finally give the Angels a true frontline starter.

Fantasy Baseball Impact

Ward to Baltimore is a nice boost. Better lineup, more RBI chances, and Camden Yards still plays fair for right-handed power. He's jumping into top-100 territory for 2026 drafts.

Rodriguez to Anaheim drops his value a notch. The park helps, but the defense and run support don't, and coming off a lost season means health risk. His strikeouts keep him fantasy-relevant, but he's more of a volatile SP3 with SP2 upside now. Let someone else grab him early.

Bottom line: Orioles get stronger in the lineup today, Angels get stronger on the mound tomorrow (if Rodriguez is healthy). More moves coming for both teams this winter.