Orioles send Grayson Rodriguez to Angels, pick up outfielder Taylor Ward in return
Updated: 11:22 PM EST Nov 18, 2025
The Orioles made a big splash late Tuesday, parting ways with right-hander Grayson Rodriguez in exchange for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward.Rodriguez, whom the Orioles drafted in 2018, has shown promise as a big leaguer but has struggled to stay healthy — he hasn’t pitched since July 2024. He started 43 games for the Orioles from 2023 to 2024, but missed the entire 2025 season with an elbow injury.In his two seasons with Baltimore, Rodriguez pitched to a 4.11 ERA with 259 strikeouts.Ward, who turns 32 next month, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Angels. He has been consistent for the Angels, missing just 11 games over the last two seasons combined.Last season, Ward hit .228, his lowest mark since 2019. Still, he notched career highs in home runs and runs batted in with 36 and 103, respectively.Ward joins a seemingly crowded outfield with Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Beavers. In addition, O’s prospect Enrique Bradfield could get the call-up to the big leagues this season. Ward will be a free agent after the 2026 season.
BALTIMORE —
The Orioles made a big splash late Tuesday, parting ways with right-hander Grayson Rodriguez in exchange for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward.
Rodriguez, whom the Orioles drafted in 2018, has shown promise as a big leaguer but has struggled to stay healthy — he hasn’t pitched since July 2024. He started 43 games for the Orioles from 2023 to 2024, but missed the entire 2025 season with an elbow injury.
In his two seasons with Baltimore, Rodriguez pitched to a 4.11 ERA with 259 strikeouts.
Ward, who turns 32 next month, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Angels. He has been consistent for the Angels, missing just 11 games over the last two seasons combined.
Last season, Ward hit .228, his lowest mark since 2019. Still, he notched career highs in home runs and runs batted in with 36 and 103, respectively.
Ward joins a seemingly crowded outfield with Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Beavers. In addition, O’s prospect Enrique Bradfield could get the call-up to the big leagues this season.
Ward will be a free agent after the 2026 season.