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MLB Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Angels Open to Trading Pair of Top Sluggers
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- MLB Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Angels Open to Trading Pair of Top Sluggers
Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Angels finished last season 72-90, a nine-win improvement from the previous year, placing last in the American League East for the second consecutive year and falling under .500 for the 10th consecutive year. Now, changes could be coming to the Angels roster this winter.
Appearing on MLB Network , insider Jon Morosi reported that Los Angeles is expected to listen this winter to trade offers for both outfielders Taylor Ward and Jo Adell . Morosi also noted that the Angels are focused on offseason moves that align with a long-term outlook.
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Ward, who turns 32 years old in December, might prove the more enticing target for teams. This past season, the veteran right-handed hitter delivered career-highs in doubles (31), home runs (36), RBI (103) and slugging (.475) across 570 at-bats.
While he only delivered a .228 batting average and .317 OBP, his numbers prior to this season were better. From 2022-24, Ward posted a .260/.339/.441 triple-slash line with a .779 OPS and 117 OPS+ across 1,436 at-bats. He primarily played left field last season, but Los Angeles has previously used him at first base, third base, right field and center since 2022. He's arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter before becoming a free agent in the 2026-'27 class.
Adell, once one of the top prospects in baseball, will be 27 years old next April and is under team control via arbitration through the 2027 season. However, the right-handed outfielder's trade value could be a bit more complicated than 37 home runs and 98 RBI would indicate.
That's because Adell ended last season with a .293 OBP, drawing a walk in only 5.8 percent of his plate appearances while striking out 26.4 percent of the time. Because he finished the season ranked in the 1st percentile for Outs Above Average (-12) and in the 19th percentile for Arm Value (-2), Adell ended last season with just a 1.2 bWAR despite his 37 homers.
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A willingness to move Adell and Ward is at least a change from how the Angels approach the MLB trade deadline this past summer. It could also signal a slight change in how the lineup will be constructed, with a greater emphasis on players who can get on base more consistently and play reliable defense in the outfield.
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