In the first major move of the 2025-26 MLB Hot Stove, the Los Angeles Angels traded away right-handed power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles for injured but promising starter Grayson
Rodriguez. The move should be of particular interest to the Phillies, who are reportedly monitoring the corner outfield trade market this winter in an effort to revamp a perennial weakness of their roster.
Ward has long been the subject of trade rumors to Philadelphia, mostly via speculation from fans who have seen the 31-year-old as a logical trade target for the last couple seasons. Ward was worth 2.9 fWAR a season ago when he batted .228/.317/.475 with 36 HRs, 103 RBIs and 86 runs scored for L.A. It was easy to imagine Ward filling an everyday role as a middle-of-the-order slugger who plays a competent corner outfield spot.
Over the last four years, Ward has slugged 98 home runs, more than Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, Marcus Semien, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and a number of other better regarded sluggers. In this day and age where right-handed outfielders are increasingly becoming unicorns, Ward’s 36 home runs ranked tied for fourth among all MLB outfielders in 2025.
He is the corner outfield version of what Rhys Hoskins was in his prime in Philadelphia, a low batting average (.228), high walk (11.3% BB-rate), strikeout prone power hitter from the right side of the plate. On the last year of his deal, Ward will play his walk season in hitter-friendly Camden Yards in the hopes of securing one big payday in free agency next off-season.
On the latest edition of Hittin’ Season from WHYY, Justin Klugh and I discussed the pros and cons of trading for Ward or Adell. Both would have been fits, even if not spectacular or long-term solutions.
Jo Adell remains an interesting possibility, but given Ward’s departure, it’s likely the Angels will hold onto their once-top prospect after his long-awaited breakout season in ‘25. Adell hit 37 bombs with a similar slash line profile to Ward (.236/.293/.485) although with a lower walk rate, higher strikeout rate and less effective defense in the corner. However, Adell, just 26, has a higher upside, which is why you would roll the dice if you’re the Phils.
So with Ward and Adell out of the picture, what’s left?
If Dave Dombrowski is focused on right-handed hitting help, there don’t appear to be any solutions for an everyday player. The White Sox could dangle Luis Robert, Jr. again after picking up his $20 million option, but one would think the Phils could have gone in that direction already if they liked the player enough. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the Red Sox will likely trade either Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu, noting a numbers crunch in the Boston outfield. Both are left-handed, which may dissuade the Phillies from going hard after either player. Byron Buxton could waive his no-trade clause this winter, and while he would be the perfect fit, the asking price may be too high for a player who has only played more than 100 games three times in his 11 year career. The Athletic’s Matt Gelb mentioned Astros center field Jake Meyers as a possibility, a right-handed hitter worth 2.4 bWAR a season ago but who posted just a .727 OPS and hit only three homers in 381 PAs.
The free agent market features one fascinating option, one familiar face and a few platoon options. Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto was posted this week by the Yomiuri Giants. Between 2018 and ‘23, Okamoto hit more than 30 home runs each season and, unlike the much-heralded Munetaka Murakami, Okoamoto hits from the right side and has better bat-to-ball skills. He would be an ideal match, if Okamoto could be convinced to play in Philadelphia.
A return of Harrison Bader to Philadelphia may be more likely now, and while no one expects him to replicate the .305/.361/.463 line he put up in 50 games with the Phillies, an OPS between .780 and .800 isn’t out of the question. The Phils are monitoring his market carefully, and have said they would like to have him back at the right price. It’s a risk, given Bader’s history as a below league average hitter prior to last season, but even an average season at the plate, coupled high plus-defense, makes him a 3-win player.
Old Friend Austin Hays was once again a monster against left-handed pitching in 2025 (.949 OPS in 105 PAs), Miguel Andujar has positional flexibility, plays left field and also mashed against southpaws (.986 OPS in 93 PAs), and Rob Refsnyder killed lefties, too (.959 OPS in 138 PAs). None are everyday players.
I’m not convinced Taylor Ward was “the answer” to fixing the Phillies outfield, but his power threat from the right side and adequate defensive abilities made him a key target of interest for the fanbase at least.
There’s always free agency next year, dreamers.
