Right-handed hitters. Phillies fans might get sick of hearing how much the organization values adding them this offseason.
Wednesday — the day before free agency opened — offered another example. On MLB Network’s Hot Stove, Jon Morosi reported that the Los Angeles Angels are considering trading outfielders Jo Adell and Taylor Ward, adding that there’s a “better than 50-50 chance” one of them gets moved. And yes, the Phillies were the team highlighted that could swing a deal.
Jo Adell’s 2025 breakout
Adell, 26, was the Angels’ first-round pick in 2017 and one of baseball’s most hyped prospects before injuries and inconsistency stalled him. From 2020–23, he never played more than 88 games in a season. In 2024, he finally earned a full-time role in right field, hitting 20 homers among 37 extra-base hits but finishing with a .207 average.
A year later, everything clicked. Adell quietly turned in one of baseball’s most underrated seasons at the plate – 37 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a .236/.293/.485 line for a .778 OPS, finishing fourth in the American League in homers.
The advanced numbers backed it up. His .565 expected slugging, 17.3% barrel rate, and 77.6 mph bat speed all ranked inside the top four percent of MLB. But the swing-and-miss remains a problem – 151 strikeouts, a 25th-percentile whiff rate, and just 33 walks.
Defensively, Adell struggled again. He played 89 games in center and 69 in right but ranked last in Outs Above Average, with below-average arm strength. On a contender like Philadelphia, he’d likely fit best as a corner outfielder or part-time DH, depending on whether Kyle Schwarber returns.
Still, there’s no denying the physical tools. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Adell has real middle-of-the-order power and the athleticism to one day succeed in the outfield.
Sep 3, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Taylor Ward (3) bats during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Taylor Ward’s consistency
Ward, 31, brings a more polished version of that same right-handed power profile. Another first-round pick (2015), he’s hit 23-plus homers in three of the last four seasons, missing only in 2024 after a fastball fractured his nose and orbital bone.
He came back stronger in 2025, hitting 36 homers with 103 RBIs and a .228 average, ranking fifth in the AL in home runs, sixth in RBIs, and seventh in extra-base hits (69). Ward does strike out a ton (175 times last season) but offsets it with strong plate discipline – 75 walks (seventh in the AL) and a 20.7% chase rate, good for the 92nd percentile.
He’s the steadier of the two hitters and could bring much-needed lineup protection for Bryce Harper or potentially whoever occupies Schwarber’s old role. Ward’s plate discipline and ability to grind at-bats make him a strong middle-of-the-order fit. Defensively, he’s played a ton in left field – especially this past season – and a fair amount in right.
Player outlook, trade pieces
Adell is under control through 2027 and projected to make about $4.5 million in arbitration this season. Ward, on the other hand, is entering his final season under contract, set to earn around $11 million. The Angels’ farm system is light on position players and loaded with pitching – just two Top 100 prospects (Tyler Bremner and Ryan Johnson), both arms – which makes the Phillies a logical partner.
Many would suggest sending Justin Crawford – who will compete for an everyday role in Spring Training for the Phils – but he’s not necessarily a fit in Anaheim. The Angels’ top outfield prospect, Nelson Rada, has a nearly identical skill set – left-handed, high-contact, high-speed – making that swap less likely.
After sending Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel to Minnesota for Jhoan Duran, the Phillies’ system is thinner but still offers solid bats. Infield prospects like Aroon Escobar and Keaton Anthony along with outfielders Dante Nori and Gabriel Rincones Jr. could draw interest.
If the Halos aim to stay competitive, Alec Bohm could also fit their needs for 2026; they have an opening at third base after Yoán Moncada hit free agency following a .783 OPS season.
My take
Adell’s upside – and team control – is strong which means his cost will be too. Ward makes more sense – a right-handed hitter with patience, solid-enough defense and one year of control.
Projected deal: Phillies send OF Gabriel Rincones Jr. and 1B Keaton Anthony to the Angels for Ward.
Ward’s name has floated in Phillies rumors before, and the fit remains true. He posted a .918 OPS vs. left-handers in 2025, a skillset that would complement lefty bats like Brandon Marsh and potentially Schwarber, if he’s back.
A new-look Ward–Crawford–Marsh outfield balances the lineup with power, speed and athleticism – giving the Phillies another reliable right-handed bat in an offseason where that is their largest priority.