Orioles-Angels Trade Analytics: Rodriguez for Ward
In November 2025, the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels completed a significant one-for-one swap: outfielder Taylor Ward for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez. Here's our complete analytical breakdown of what both teams gained and lost.
The Trade
Orioles Receive
Taylor Ward, OF
Age 31, 1 year control
Angels Receive
Grayson Rodriguez, RHP
Age 26, 4 years control
Taylor Ward Analysis
Taylor Ward - Outfielder
Grayson Rodriguez Analysis
Grayson Rodriguez - RHP
WAR Impact Analysis
For Baltimore, this trade addresses an immediate need but creates long-term questions. Ward provides +2.4 projected WAR for 2026, giving the Orioles a proven bat in their outfield. However, they lose Rodriguez's four years of team control and significant upside.
For the Angels, the math is simple: Rodriguez has three additional years of control compared to Ward, and if healthy, his ceiling is much higher. The Angels saved roughly $13M in 2026 salary while acquiring a potential frontline starter.
Trade Grade
Orioles: B- - Ward fills a need, but giving up four years of Rodriguez for one year of Ward is risky.
Angels: A- - High upside acquisition with cost savings. Rodriguez slots into their rotation alongside Kikuchi, Soriano, and Detmers.
Long-Term Implications
The Orioles are clearly in win-now mode, sacrificing future rotation depth for immediate production. If Ward has a monster 2026 and Baltimore makes a deep playoff run, the trade looks brilliant. If Rodriguez becomes an ace in Anaheim while Ward walks in free agency, it could haunt them for years.