Cincinnati Reds Should Trade For Los Angeles Angels Outfielder Taylor Ward

Angels reportedly close to dealing outfielder and Reds would be perfect fit

Sep 29, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward (3) stands in a dugout during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds desperately need to upgrade their outfield. Mark Fensand is reporting that the Los Angeles Angels are close to trading an outfielder and that Taylor Ward could be on the trade block.

He would be a great addition to the Reds' roster.

Ward is right handed and has primarily played left field for the Angels over the last two seasons. He has two more years of team control and is currently 30 years old. He produced 2.3 bWAR in 2024 and has 7.6 WAR across the last three seasons.

Ward really shines against left-handed pitching. In his seven big league seasons, he's posted a .287 batting average against southpaws, a .450 slugging percentage and gets on base more than 35% of the time.

He isn’t unusable against right-handed pitching, either, though the production isn’t as good. He has slashed .239/.321/.419 for his career against righties.

He is also a solid defender. He has been in the positive numbers for Outs Above Average for the past three seasons and has good ratings on his arm, according to Baseball Savant.

Also, for what it's worth, Statcast says Ward would have hit 35 home runs last year, or 10 more than he actually hit, if he played at Great American Ballpark.

With his age, Ward should not cost what some other outfielders may cost in a trade, as far as prospects are concerned. He has the right mix of bat and glove to upgrade the Reds outfield. Here’s hoping the Angels impending announcement is that he is headed for Cincinnati.

The Angels appear to be close to trading an outfielder, per source. Taylor Ward has been generating a lot of interest, so it would not be a surprise if it’s him.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 10, 2024

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died

Cincinnati Reds Star Matt McLain is Healthy, to Play in Arizona Fall League

Report: Cincinnati Reds Rule Out Six Popular Managerial Candidates

Cincinnati Reds Expected to Target Two Candidates for Manager Job, Including Former Red

Cincinnati Reds Expected to “Aggressively Pursue” Trade for 3-Time All-Star This Offseason

Three Qualities the Next Cincinnati Reds Manager Must Have

Skip Schumaker Has Key Trait Cincinnati Reds Are Looking For in Next Manager

Nine Candidates to be Next Manager of the Cincinnati Reds Following David Bell Firing

Rhett Lowder Dazzles in Final Appearance of 2024, Wraps Up Impressive First Season

Marty Brennaman Weighs in on Reds Manager Search, Believes They Should Target World Series Champion Terry Francona

Cincinnati Reds Will Have to Compete With Multiple Teams to Land Skip Schumaker

Look: No. 2 Overall Pick Chase Burns in Cincinnati Reds Uniform for First Time

Watch: Nick Krall Discusses Reds’ Decision to Fire Manager David Bell

Look: Cincinnati Reds 2025 Spring Training Schedule Released

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram