Despite a disappointing October last year, the Philadelphia Phillies have made relatively few significant offseason moves.
After a strong regular season, the Phillies entered the postseason as World Series contenders. However, their October performance against the New York Mets fell short. They managed just one win in the National League Division Series, resulting in an early exit.
Many expected major changes in response to their postseason struggles. While the Phillies have adjusted their bullpen and added Jesus Luzardo to their starting rotation, they have not made any drastic changes to their core roster.
Two key issues contributing to their struggles were the bullpen’s inconsistency and the outfield’s lack of production. Philadelphia has also faced ongoing difficulties against left-handed pitching, a weakness that remains largely unaddressed this offseason.
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report recently speculated about potential trades for 2025, suggesting that the Phillies could target right-handed slugger Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels to bolster their outfield and lineup.
“Ward has been speculated upon as a trade target for the Phillies in each of the past two summers. Perhaps the third time will be the charm, and he’ll be dealt from Anaheim to Philly,” Kelly wrote.
Ward would be a compelling addition for the Phillies. The Angels have been active in free agency this winter, attempting to improve their underperforming team. However, the franchise has been hurt by Mike Trout’s decline and their failure to trade Shohei Ohtani before his free agency.
Ward, 31, has developed into a reliable hitter, particularly against left-handed pitching. He boasts a career .287 batting average and .804 OPS against southpaws, making him an appealing option for the Phillies, who need stronger right-handed bats.
Although a trade during the offseason seems unlikely, the Angels might be more open to moving Ward if they struggle midseason. With one year of arbitration remaining in 2026, Ward could also serve as a backup plan for the Phillies, considering Kyle Schwarber will be in the final year of his contract.
While a potential trade is still months away, Ward could be a logical fit for a Phillies team in need of right-handed power at the plate.
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