The Los Angeles Angels have made some aggressive offseason moves, but their timeline for contention remains uncertain.
In November, the team signed veteran free agents Yusei Kikuchi, Travis d’Arnaud, and Kyle Hendricks. However, without acquiring more impact players, it’s difficult to see them improving on their losing record from 2024.
The Angels’ roster does feature promising young talent, which could entice contending teams to consider trade offers. Patrick McAvoy of SI proposed a potential trade scenario that would send Angels slugger Taylor Ward to the Boston Red Sox.
“Los Angeles has two players who could appeal to the Red Sox if they’re open to another trade,” McAvoy wrote. “Outfielder/third baseman Taylor Ward and utility player Luis Rengifo have both been rumored as trade candidates this offseason, but neither has been moved yet. Ward would be the stronger option of the two.”
Ward, who hit 25 home runs with a .246/.323/.426 slash line in 2024, could provide the Red Sox with a valuable right-handed bat. His ability to play outfield—as a potential replacement for Tyler O’Neill—or fill in at third or first base, where he’s made limited starts, enhances his fit with Boston.
Set to earn $7.8 million in 2025 and with one more year of arbitration eligibility in 2026, Ward represents a trade candidate who could net the Angels valuable prospects before hitting free agency. The Red Sox, boasting one of baseball’s top farm systems, may be in a position to pursue him.
Still, Ward might only be a fallback option for Boston if their efforts to land a marquee player, like Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado, fall short.
“There’s been plenty of speculation surrounding the Red Sox, with Bregman and Arenado being the most discussed targets,” McAvoy noted. “Boston has the resources to pull off a deal for either. If they don’t, the Angels should be their next call.”
As the Angels navigate the balance between rebuilding and competing in 2025, they might choose to retain Ward. However, a decisive pivot could make trading him to a team like the Red Sox a practical move.
Leave a Reply