The Orioles have traded right-hander Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward. The Angels have also announced the trade. Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season due to multiple arm injuries. Ward will be a free agent after 2026.
On a day filled with minor deals and roster shuffling, Baltimore and Los Angeles saved the best for last. The Orioles are shipping out one of their most promising arms since the Dylan Bundy/Kevin Gausman era. Rodriguez was electric at times since his 2023 debut, but injuries have marred his career. The 26-year-old was sidelined with shoulder inflammation and a lat strain this past year. A shoulder injury cost him half of the 2024 campaign. Injuries in 2022 limited him to 75 2/3 minor league innings and potentially delayed his big-league debut.
Rodriguez is under team control through 2029. Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias told reporters back in September that the righty was expected to be ready for spring training. Last week, Elias told reporters, including Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner, that Rodriguez “provides a real wild card for us talent-wise.” Elias will now play that card, turning Rodriguez into a year of a dependable power bat.
Ward hit a career-high 36 home runs last season. Since becoming a regular in 2022, the 31-year-old has launched 98 homers with decent plate discipline and fine run production. Ward’s batting average slipped to .228 last season, but his slugging percentage jumped to a career-high .475. He drove in 100+ runs for the first time as a big leaguer, while scoring a career-best 86 times.
MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects Ward to earn $13.7MM in his final year of arbitration. He was a first-round pick by the Angels back in 2015. Ward tore up minor-league pitching at each level, reaching Triple-A by 2018. He slashed a robust .352/.442/.537 with Salt Lake, earning a big-league callup at the end of that season. Ward scuffled in 40 games with the Angels and found himself back with the Bees. He bounced between both levels for a couple of seasons before finally cementing his spot with the big-league club in 2022. Ward broke out with 23 home runs over 135 games with LA, finishing his first full MLB season with a 136 wRC+.
Ward came up as a catcher, but moved to the corner infield spots as he advanced in the Angels’ system. He played mostly third base in his early MLB years, before transitioning to the outfield. Ward spent some time in center and right field, but has played exclusively left field since 2023. He’ll enter an unsettled outfield mix that includes Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, and Leody Taveras. Youngsters Dylan Beavers and Heston Kjerstad will also be involved, though the Ward addition will be another roadblock to consistent at-bats for them.
Ward’s departure leaves the Angels with Jo Adell, Jorge Soler, and some question marks in the outfield. With Mike Trout penciled in at DH, the outfield alternatives include Gustavo Campero, Bryce Teodosio, and Matthew Lugo. Top prospect Nelson Rada could also push for a roster spot.
It’s a surprising end to Rodriguez’s tenure with the club that selected him 11th overall in 2018. He quickly rose through the minors, with massive strikeout numbers propelling him to the top of prospect lists. MLB.com ranked Rodriguez behind only Adley Rutschman in Baltimore’s system back in 2022, while slotting him at 6th among all prospects. He was the top-ranked pitcher on the board.
Rodriguez did not hit the ground running in the big leagues, recording an ugly 7.35 ERA over his first 10 starts. He was sent back to Triple-A to regroup, and returned with a vengeance. Rodriguez put up a 2.58 ERA across 13 starts after getting recalled. He cleaned up the control issues that had caused problems in his first stint, while striking out nearly a batter per inning. Rodriguez was shelled by the Rangers in the ALDS, but the final three months of the regular season suggested Baltimore had their ace of the future.
The 2024 campaign saw Rodriguez push his strikeout rate to 26.5% while trimming his walk rate to 7.3%. He notched his first double-digit strikeout game in May, striking out 10 against Boston. Rodriguez piled up 13 wins through 20 starts until a shoulder issue ended his season in August. A quality start and victory over Toronto on the final day of July would end up being his last start with the team.
Baltimore’s rotation will be headlined by Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish heading into 2026. Dean Kremer has been a reliable source of innings, but the options are less stable beyond him. Tyler Wells is expected to return to a starting role after returning late last season from UCL surgery. Cade Povich has made 36 starts over the past two seasons, but his career ERA is over 5.00. Brandon Young and Chayce McDermott have also struggled in their limited big-league opportunities. The Orioles have added veterans like Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Kyle Gibson in the past two seasons to help eat innings. They could be dipping back into that pool of pitchers to fill out the rotation this offseason.
Interesting
Like this move for LAA.
Rodriguez has great stuff when he’s healthy. Hope he gets right.
Have to, sort of, agree.
Rodriguez looked to be a league averagey starter, with some potential for more. I think they him for at least 3 years.
They, probably, “win the trade” purely from a value standpoint. But, not sure that’s the type of player they should be targeting. Don’t think they’ll be serious contenders during that window, but, if he comes back they can move him.
Baseball Trade Values says: Rodriguez $26 million. Ward $3 million.
Yeah I don’t get this one.
He is the perfect flip candidate. If he is healthy, pitching is always in demand and can be flipped for some top prospects.
If he’s not, all it cost you was someone who wasn’t part of your future anyways.
And Mike Maddux now there to improve the pitchers.
That’s an underrated point re Maddox. I think it’s a good pickup too, but we’ll see what else they do.
Me too g-rod is the real deal
I mean, how can you not? They traded 1 year of an expensive (for what can be reasonably expected from him), so-so 31 year old corner OF for 4 years of a 26 year old SP with legitimate ace upside.
EASY Angels W here.
I do too. It’s a lot easier to find quality outfielders than quality starting pitchers. Unless you are Cleveland, that is.
Orioles giving up on Grayson already? What?!
And they need starting pitchers why did they trade one of their better ones??? Is his health that bad?
It may indicate they are planning to sign a starter, or make a trade for a starter. They’re not doing this in a vacuum, We just don’t know what the next move is, but they do.
He’s never pitched over 122 innings as a pro. With his injury history I was looking to see if maybe the O’s would move him to high leverage reliever role. This move makes more sense.
I would imagine this frees up Kjerstad and/or Beavers and/or Bradfield as trade bait for a more dependable starter.
Why do people think moving a guy to be a RP is easier on players bodies. John smoltz he’s a HOF pitcher, he pitched for the braves. Pretty good pitcher. He’s literally said being a RP was way harder on his arm.
Yeah I was into the idea just because clearly being a starter has been hard on him so why not try something different. But I’m more than happy with option b which was to trade him.
Because you’ve seen a lot more guys that have had issues staying healthy, make a successful move to the pen. Most recently Mason Miller for example.
Everyone is different and one plan doesnt work for everyone. But in general, throwing less pitches per game is helpful. Most guys are stronger on pitches 1-20 than they are 80-100. Pushing that 100 mark and mechanical breakdowns can put added pressure on the arm. You can also still go 4 days off in between appearances, even if you only threw 15 pitches. Just an easier time managing volume and impact on the arm.
Kjerstad is likely done so there’s no trade value. Clay Holmes ended his career with beaning
Just beyond baffling.
As an Orioles fan, I absolutely friggin’ HATE this move.
I’m 100% fine with it. If Grayson miraculously gets healthy and stays healthy it could be a bad trade obviously. But we need good and dependable starters. This move means we can stop hoping and move on.
Also Ward is a solid player with pop from the right side. Good balance for the lineup and like I said above, this must be a precursor to a trade for a starter. Too many OF assets to not trade one.
Cards need outfielders. Wonder if sonny and some money would lift his no trade for baltimore.
We already have multiple Wards on the roster, we didn’t need another low AVG, low OBP, high K guy who plays mediocre defense.
Maybe they package some of those similar OFers for a pitcher. O’Neill isn’t going anywhere, but Cowser or Bradfield might.
KF
Ward’s real value might be his consistency but I don’t get bailing on Grayson’s upside either. Even if he eventually needs to be a load-managed once-thru-the-order pitcher, that’s a useful player in this division.
Do the Orioles not need a power hitting outfielder? In a proper lineup with a good hiring coach Ward is going to be better than he was in 2025.
Most of us Angels fans were expecting a Ward for a SP trade, but I have to admit nobody saw this..
😳
Whaaaaaaaaaaa????
Royals have to be frustrated. First Grisham and Torres accept QOs, now this.
I’m sure they can sign a free agent I would much rather sign a free agent than trade for someone. Especially someone with not that many years of control
Angels just lost this trade
Why? 4 years of a young SP is exactly what they need. A Corner Outfielder who will be a FA is not.
Writing is on the wall. It looks like a lost 2027 season and hard cap/floor is coming. Hence the decreased value on multi-year and increase value on single year. Plus 4 QO accepted. At this point the Dodgers and Mets are kinda fd. This hot stove just got really interesting.
The Pirates were the #2 bidder for Josh Naylor…
How do you figure? 4 years of control on Rodriguez for 1 of Ward. Ward is a decent player but in a rebuilding team that has zero potential Frontline SP options, it makes a lot of sense.
Theres certainly risk but even if Rodriguez ends up in the pen like a Mason Miller, its a win.
Huh?? Rebuilding team getting a former top prospect with good talent. Even if he’s always hurt, a rebuilding team would always make this deal. Especially a team like LAA that can’t develop starting pitchers
Last time they developed a SP Washington as in office. They just pipeline off everyone else and hope the genie hasn’t left the lamp already
Unless Grayson’s arm is toast, the Angels won this deal by a MILE.
Whoa one year of Taylor Ward
Which is why I’m glad the royals didn’t do this trade.
If Ward is the most the Orioles could get for Gray-Rod, most teams probably don’t like what his medical records look like.
Yup. His shoulder is messed up.
I’d have to agree.
Why would the Orioles do this? For a team that needs starting pitching, this certainly doesn’t make sense.
He’s never healthy. Probably also a sign they are actually going to spend on some starters this offseason.
Terrible deal for the Orioles. Rather have Grayson in the bullpen for the season than deal him for a 36 HR hitting OF that did not have an .800 OPS.
Which should be an indication of how well Grayson’s shoulder has actually recovered. O’s were probably shopping him around and most teams said “nah, pass.”
Thanks, I despise it.
I’m not sure I understand this for the Orioles. I get Rodriguez has an injury history but for possibly 1 year of Taylor Ward??? Rodriguez still has a high ceiling I believe
Orioles traded away pitching? what?
The Orioles must strongly believe they’ll be able to add quality starting pitching this offseason or they wouldn’t have made this move.
Or that Rodriguez is no longer a quality pitcher
I agree. But trading for Ward? They could do better than him? Really? Where the heck is he gonna play? Unless Adley and Mayo are getting moved, there’s no room at third, first or DH
Ward will be the Orioles left fielder.
This would allow the Angels to give some playing time to Matthew Lugo or Rasa.
This is a win now move so I am guessing the Orioles will be signing a couple front line pitchers.
Minasian must have some mossad level p-tapes dirt on David Rubenstein.
The stove is hot
Angels could have an interesting rotation if they can manage to add a big arm in FA. Soriano, Kikuchi, Rodriguez, Detmers (if he can translate his bullpen success to SP) could actually be competitive.
Yet they will still finish in 4th place maybe 3rd if they get really lucky
Wohhhh
Where the hell did this trade come from??
If ward is a fa after ‘26
And grayson still has 4 yrs left
Are we to assume grayson’s arm is dead?
Yeah, nobody expects the Spanish inquisition..
(everyone was saying Ward for a SP, but Grayson was not on the short list)
So you trade 36 home runs out of a lineup that can’t hit for a pitcher with arm problems.
Sounds about right. Typical Angels move
At least we got 175 strikeouts out of the everyday lineup
Hate this move for the O’s, unless they have something else lined up. With 4 years of control even if Rodriguez moves to the pen he’d be worth a lot more than 1 year of Ward.
It’s not even December yet. Surely something else is coming.
Orioles need pitching… so what do they do? Trade arguably their strongest arm (when healthy) for one year of an outfielder????? About a decade ago, the Astros showed the league how to rebuild and turn a losing team into a perennial contender. Now, the Orioles are showing the league how to squander a window of opportunity, blocking IF prospects, refusing to trade from areas of strength and instead, trading from areas of need. Ya, unless they know something about Rodriguez, this doesn’t make a lot of sense. Could they be trying to flip him?
If they’re confident they can bring in one of the top available starters via FA or trade, it makes a bit of sense. Probably would have been better asset wise though just to bring in someone like Bellinger to keep Rodriguez
I don’t get it. Not from the Orioles point of view.
Even if Rodriguez is damaged goods, couldn’t try have gotten more from someone else? If they really wanted to trade with the Angels, they should’ve asked for Jo Adell. Younger bat that matches up with the timeline for their young guys. This is way too all-in for 2026 for no good reason.
Most Orioles trade ever…(from an O’s fan)
Upside for the Halos. Maybe the os figure they’ll flip Ward otherwise why
“Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season due to multiple arm injuries.”
How does this help the Angels?
Because hes 26 with big upside as a starter!
Great trade for the Angels. Gotta give them props here. For a team that needs pitching, they acquired huge upside.
I cant see how the Angels could possibly lose this deal. Ward is going to cost 10 million in 2026. Gotta like this move for the Angels.
Really like this for the Angels!
What in the world are the Orioles thinking? 4 years of a high upside young arm for a rental bat. Ward might have more WAR in 2026, but he’s also making way more money (est $11M in arbitration). Then the 3 years of Grayson should make this massively in the Angels favor, even if he’s just a 2-3 WAR player. Angels save money this year and get more future production.
I really like this deal. Ward is superfluous, meaning, how many corner outfielders does a team need? Grayson Rodriguez has four year of control.
It’s not about 2026, which is a lost season, it’s about those four years.
Great move for the Angels, but why would the Orioles do this?
Im confused who won the trade?
Baltimore the way the Angels ruin nice things Grayson will be beyond cooked before July
Think LAA is getting the better of the deal longterm. BAL must either be trying to cash in on whats left of Rodriguez’s value or are going to be spending big in the SP market.
Cease
Head- scratcher
I am glad to see Taylor Ward out of the AL West. That man was a full-time Texas Rangers menace and a part-time stress test for my blood pressure. Be gone, sir. I wish he had packed his bags for the National League, but this will do. The AL West can now breathe again, and so can my snack budget during late-inning drama.
Wow, LAA is actually trying to improve their pitching.
Ward turns 32 next month. This is a no brainer gamble for the Angels to take. Even if G-Rod never stays healthy all they lost was a 32 year old on the last year of his deal.
This was a stupid trade. Not necessarily because you’re dumping four years of a superb but injured pitcher, but because you’re getting back someone who Ks a lot, has bad defense, can’t run, and will be a FA in one season.
You make good points
I kind of like it
Wow. Grayson Rodriguez. Geez. Looks like the angels can compete in 2026. He is healthy. He can pitch. New look angels. Lugo can hit. Rada can hit. Soler can hit.
I hope Elias’s hunch on Rodriguez’s shoulder is based on more than letting Coulombe go. 4 years or control vs. 1 makes this a head scratcher.
That’s a great trade for the Angels if Grayson can stay healthy. Impressed!
Here’s a stat to consider. Going back to his minor leagues, GRod has been injured at one time or another every season since 2022. He’s only pitched in the majors for two seasons, and injuries might not yet seem like a track record yet. But 3+ years feels like a track record to me.
I wish him well, and hope he turns it around and turns in 200 IP seasons. But technically speaking, if he did that, that would be the first time ever, minors and majors.
Ok so, you have one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball, the best option you have is Trevor Rogers, who granted, had a great half year, it makes tons of sense to trade a former top 5 prospect who has had a decent amount of success in the bigs, cost zero money and has tons of team control for 1 year of a good but not great corner outfielder who takes up a portion of thr salary for a historically cheap Orioles team.
“Hey guys, let’s trade away from our biggest weakness to add to where we have a lesser need “
Wonder if part of this is because Rodriguez was drafted by Duquette. Current regime isn’t as attached.
That’s very much possible, either way wow, what a surprise.
Wow what in the world are the orioles doing!!??
So many questions.. Phillies were asleep here ? Ward would have solved a few problems for them.. O’s TRADE pitching ? Do they now try to flip O’Neill ??
Can’t imagine there will many takers unless they send money along.
Initial reaction is that the Angels won this big time. However, no one knows his injuries better than Baltimore. He had multiple injuries in one arm last year to miss the entire season. You ahve to think they may have an inside track on a starter, maybe Framber?
Ward has power, but a .220ish hitter who does not play center field and is a FA after next season
Grayson has #1 stuff and is under control thru 2029. True he can’t stay healthy, but this seams like silly trade. Ward is exactly what the Os don’t need. They gave Grayson away for a guy who doesn’t have a defined position, and helps in no with “solidifying” the batting order.
Os better be getting some big name pitching.
After this trade, the O’s now need 4 SPs
A team with O’s batters and Pirates pitchers could probably win 100 games.
Steve’s dream trade ruined! No Singer for Ward for you!
As a reds fan I’m relieved
Ward has made himself into a good outfielder. Still can’t believe he played college ball down the road from where I once lived and is a former catcher, third baseman.
Giving up 3 ish years of Rodriguez for 1 of Ward is baffling. Very least Grayson could have been shifted to the pen even closer role and possibly sold within the next 2 years for a bigger better deal
So with 36 home runs out of this line up
So with a little bit better pitching.
The angels will now lose 10-3 instead of 12-5.
You can’t pitch from the IL.
Ward can play in the much hitter friendly AL East. And the angels can have another arm problem pitcher
WOOF
Another cheap bandaid move by the “Executive of the Year” Ellias. The Orioles need pitching and they traded away one of their only capable starters with 4 more years of control for a year of Taylor Ward who is barely an above average ballplayer. And people were telling me how great of a GM this guy was, nonsense
4 years of control of a suspect shoulder. I think the Orioles know this. At least angels didn’t let ward walk.
Instant reactions:
Angels: get younger and add to their pitching staff. Now, they need to supplement their outfield.
O’s: have a logjam in the outfield and lose an arm in their already thin pitching depth.
I guess Ryan Mountcastle at 8 million is a toasty shade of toast. it does seem like an odd move what with 2 years 32 million left for Tyler O’Niel, with Coby Mayo finally looking like the hot kid minors hitter, Basallo on the verge, Cowser and Beavers. What’s also weird is that they gave up Ramon Laureano who was having a great year and who had another year left at less dollars. They must have loved the package SD gave them for him and O’Hearn. I hope it works out well for both teams.
Taylor is a great guy and a solid ball player. Sad to see him go.
And if Baltimore is willing to trade Grayson for a rental they must like his medical.
But this is a gamble a team desperate for arms needs to take. Let’s hope it works out for both sides.
I am fine with this.
13 starts where Grayson fulfilled his potential. That’s it. Was supposed to come up in 2022…got hurt. Stunk at Mike Wright level in early 2023 then had the 13 starts. 2024 was 20 kinda meh starts before hurt again. And hurt in 2025. No guarantee he will pitch in 2026.
I think the paper clips holding Grayson’s elbow together came from Temu.
Ward has been productive. If he’s .250-.260 with 25 or 30 HR that fills a big hole on the Orioles.
Net plus for Orioles.