The Baltimore Orioles have been early winners of the offseason, positioning themselves for a return to the MLB playoffs in 2026. One of their first significant moves, which has flown somewhat under the radar, was the addition of outfielder Taylor Ward in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels. Baltimore parted ways with right-handed starter Grayson Rodriguez to acquire Ward, a proven power bat who immediately strengthens the middle of their lineup.

Ward is coming off a productive 2025 campaign in which he posted a .228 batting average, a .317 on-base percentage and a .792 OPS. He also delivered 36 home runs and 103 RBIs across 157 games, numbers that highlight his ability to change games with one swing. Yet the move did not generate the same level of attention as Baltimore’s headline-grabbing signing of first baseman Pete Alonso, who agreed to a five-year, $155 million deal.

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Alonso arrives with an impressive list of individual accolades, having won National League Rookie of the Year honors, earned five All-Star selections and collected a Silver Slugger Award during his tenure with the New York Mets. His reputation as one of the premier power hitters in baseball makes him a marquee addition, and together with Ward, he gives the Orioles a lineup that suddenly looks far deeper and more dangerous.

Ward expressed his excitement about joining Baltimore and praised the work of Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias. “The more Mike’s [Elias] been doing, I just think it’s incredible. Yeah, just adding piece after piece and, you know, hopefully we’re not done. As of right now I’m really excited to get going, get down there, get into the season and start winning some ball games,” Ward said.

When asked about Alonso’s arrival and his reaction to the news, Ward added, “Excitement. You know, just a great hitter. Obviously, him being in the National League, we don’t play them as much, but more often in the last few years. But, I mean, just one of the guys I came up with, we may play in the Fall League together just right around that time. So, you know, I’ve known of him, obviously, and just the power that he brings to the table. And, I mean, it’s going to be great for this lineup and veteran leadership as well. You know, I just think that it’s the perfect fit for us.”

With Alonso anchoring first base and Ward adding another layer of power and versatility in the outfield, the Orioles have reshaped their roster in ways that should pay dividends in 2026. These moves signal a clear intent to contend, and if Elias continues to build around this core, Baltimore could quickly re-emerge as one of the most dangerous teams in the American League.