Orioles' Taylor Ward enters pivotal season with troubling expectations

One of the first major headlines of the offseason was the trade between the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels. Baltimore sent SP Grayson Rodriguez for OF Taylor Ward.

Baltimore was not able to get much going with Rodriguez, as he was often injured and needed some outfield depth. and power. Ward also brings a big right-handed bat to a lineup that has a ton of lefties in it. 

Across 157 regular-season games last year, he hit .228/.317/.475 with a career-high 36 home runs and a career-high 103 runs batted in. 

MORE: Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle could become a prime trade target for this NL East team

Orioles' Taylor Ward enters pivotal season with troubling expectations

36 home runs had Taylor Ward tied for 10th across MLB. There is no doubting that he had tons of power last season, but is that something that is sustainable?

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter doesn't believe so.

"With limited on-base skills and a high strikeout rate, Ward is far from a complete player, and the bulk of his value is tied to his power production. The O's have moved the left-field wall in at Camden Yards, but it's still unclear exactly how the park will play after generally being a pitcher-friendly venue in years past."

It is no coincidence that Baltimore traded for Ward after moving in left field a few feet. However, Reuter explains that it is still unclear how the park will play out as it has been known to be a pitcher-friendly field in the past.

Ward will have to rely on the long balls, especially given he is expected be a free agent when the 2026 season comes to an end. Not only will the pressure of playing up to potential with his new team be on his mind, but he needs to play well to put himself in the best position on the open market next winter.

More MLB news:

• MLB analyst expects Blue Jays veteran to take a significant step back in 2026
• Cubs fans may want to ignore this Pete Crow-Armstrong prediction
• Giants fans may want to look the other way on this Harrison Bader prediction
• Proposed Blue Jays trade sends lefty swingman to the Angels
• A surplus of pitching could move this Red Sox SP to the trade block