With the Angels' future uncertain, could Taylor Ward be the key to rebuilding their roster? A potential blockbuster deal looms.
At this point, the Los Angeles Angels have more questions than answers.
They are still searching for a manager with Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter out of the running. The Angels are also trying to get back into the postseason after a decade-plus streak without playing meaningful baseball in October.
And, the trade and free agency rumors will swirl in Anaheim, although nobody should get many hopes up.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report named one player that could be traded from each team, and for the Angels it was Taylor Ward.
"After not once ending up in dead-last in the AL West from 2000-23, the Angels have done so in back-to-back years, finishing at least 16 games below .500 in four straight seasons. They've spent the past decade refusing to accept a rebuilding situation, and may well continue to do so. But if they decide they're willing to move a bat in his final season before reaching free agency, there would be a lot of interest in Taylor Ward," Miller wrote.
Ward, who was selected in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft, has been in the big leagues with the Angels since 2018.
In 2025, he hit .228 with 36 home runs and 103 RBI, providing a nice offensive boost to the team.
Ward's name was in trade rumors ahead of the deadline, but he stayed put, and now could be the time for the Angels to move him once and for all.