The Baltimore Orioles made a trade overnight. And a stunning one at that. Pitcher Grayson Rodriguez was traded to the Anaheim Angels in return for OF Taylor Ward.
For starters, Ward is a career .247 hitter. He did hit 25 homers in 2024, and 36 in 2025. Whether that translates to anything in 2026 of course remains to be seen. However we do know that Camden Yards tends to favor hitters, this despite the newish dimensions.
Rodriguez of course was expected to be a stalwart in the Oriole rotation at one time. He was injured in 2024, and missed all of 2025. Are the Orioles not confident that he’ll ever amount to what was thought to be his full potential?
At its surface, it’s a curious trade. The O’s had a lot invested in Rodriguez, and he was thought to be the future. Ward is also a free agent in 2027, for what that’s worth. Again, seems curious.
My thought is that yes, Rodriguez returning to form (or at all in 2026) could be in question. But keep in mind that we’re not even at Thanksgiving yet. The Hot Stove season has barely been ushered in. Maybe the Orioles have a trade in the works for a bigger name pitcher.
If they do, it may not even be one that’s consummated in the near future. But it’s a thought. For now, Grayson Rodriguez has gone to Anaheim, and the Orioles have Taylor Ward in the outfield.
Birdland Crush 