Royals Left Empty-Handed as Angels Snag Taylor Ward in Grayson Rodriguez Trade
The Kansas City Royals entered the offseason with a clear agenda: revamping their corner outfield positions. However, as the winter progresses, they find themselves on the sidelines, watching other teams secure key players. Kansas City’s hopes were dashed when they missed the opportunity to acquire Brandon Nimmo, who was traded from the New York Mets to the Texas Rangers just last week. Yet, Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels appeared to be a prime target for the Royals, only for that possibility to slip away as well.
The Missed Opportunity
In a recent column, MLB.com’s Anne Rogers shed light on the Royals’ pursuit of Ward, revealing that they had indeed made efforts to acquire him—not just this offseason, but in previous discussions as well. The pivotal moment came when the Angels successfully negotiated a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, acquiring 26-year-old right-hander Grayson Rodriguez. This trade proved significant, as Rodriguez, if healthy, is projected to slot into a mid-rotation starter role for the Angels, providing them with four years of team control.
“Taylor Ward would have been a great fit, and the Royals have targeted him for a long time,” Rogers noted. “The Angels haven’t been ready to move him until this offseason. The Royals were in on him again this winter, swapped offers with the Angels, but in the end, the Angels got a young starter… The Orioles get one season with Ward. Interesting trade, for sure.”
Trade Dynamics and Implications
Rodriguez, selected 11th overall in the 2018 draft, presents a compelling case for the Angels. While his health has been a concern, the potential upside is undeniable. The trade raised eyebrows across the league, particularly due to the disparity in team control between Ward, whose contract is set to expire after one season, and Rodriguez, who the Angels will have in their rotation for the foreseeable future.
The Royals faced a formidable challenge in countering the Angels’ offer. Their most comparable asset in trade discussions might have been Noah Cameron, a pitcher of the same age who has shown promise without the injury concerns that have plagued Rodriguez. However, while Cameron has demonstrated the ability to limit hard contact this season, he lacks the high ceiling that comes with Rodriguez’s pedigree.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason unfolds, the Royals are left to ponder their next steps. With the market for corner outfielders tightening and options becoming scarce, the organization will need to evaluate which players remain viable targets. The urgency is palpable, as fans are eager for the team to make impactful moves amid a backdrop of missed opportunities. The question now looms: who will the Royals turn to in their quest to strengthen their outfield and reshape their roster for the upcoming season?
