BALTIMORE — The O's just added a power hitter to the nest.
Baltimore just sent pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward.
The 31-year-old's batting average last season was .228 with 31 doubles, two triples, 36 home runs, 86 runs scored, 103 RBI, and 75 walks in 157 games.
The new bird has a knack for covering all bases.
Ward set career highs in games played, runs, doubles, homers, RBI, walks, slugging percentage, extra-base hits (69), and total bases (275).
He also tied for fifth in the AL in home runs, ranked sixth in RBI, and seventh in walks and extra-base hits.
Ward became the third Angel since 2018 to drive in 100 runs, along with Mike Trout (104 RBI, 2019) and Shohei Ohtani (100 RBI, 2021).
Of his 36 home runs, 35 came as the left fielder, setting the team’s franchise record (since 1961) for that position.
