Pair of Angels Outfielders Draw Interest as Trade Rumors Heat Up
The Los Angeles Angels have entered another offseason in which a major roster decision could reveal the organization's true intentions. The clearest move might not be signing a free-agent star, but instead trading a veteran outfielder. Rumors have started to swirl surrounding both Taylor Ward and Jo Adell as possible trade pieces for the Angels as they look to retool this offseason. The Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies are two teams that have recently been looking into the outfield duo. The only question is who the Angels would prefer to get in return for trading away either of the two of the team’s most productive hitters in 2025.
Trading away Ward would make the most sense for the Angels. The outfielder will enter the 2026 season at 32 years old, an age where many players begin to plateau rather than improve. Keeping him in Anaheim would mean hoping that a player coming off a breakout season can sustain that production into his mid-30s, a risky bet for a team that already has an aging Mike Trout, who had to spend more time in the lineup than on the field as of late. However, there’s a chance that Ward could see an uptick in performance, but that is highly doubtful, as 2025 was a breakout year for Ward out of eight years with the club. FanGraphs currently projects Ward’s power to regress, while his other offensive metrics go up. According to FanGraphs, Ward’s power would slightly regress in 2026, while his on-base skills improve, forecasting a .241/.327/.437 slash line. Solid numbers for Ward, but not too great for the Angels to ignore a strong trade offer for.
Adell is a player the Angels should really consider retaining before making any moves. Adell finished his 2025 campaign in fourth place in home runs in the MLB, leading to his first year with a WAR above one with the Angels. His 2025 slash line of .236/.293/.485 still leaves room for improvement, but the significant jump in offensive power makes him a valuable long-term asset. Adell struggled mightily in previous years to even keep a spot with the Angels, but his last two years have seen a bump in offensive numbers. Adell, at 26, is still young enough to have a higher ceiling entering his prime playing years, and with years remaining on his contract, teams would have to offer the Angels an MLB-ready player today and in the future.
Ultimately, the Angels’ decision comes down to how they balance immediate roster needs with long-term potential. Ward offers the steadier present-day profile and the most straightforward path to landing a decent starting pitcher, making him the more logical trade candidate. Adell, meanwhile, provides a level of upside that the Angels cannot replace other than getting a significant return of players, something that would seem unlikely. As the Royals and Phillies explore their options, the Angels must decide whether this offseason is about maximizing the current roster or focusing on a clearer future.
