As the Los Angeles Angels begin a major roster overhaul, the Yankees might consider acquiring outfielder Taylor Ward, who is under contract until 2027. Ward, who typically plays left field, has been a league-average hitter this season. He had an impressive 137 wRC+ two years ago and a solid 107 wRC+ last year, albeit with injuries affecting his performance.
Ward’s offensive profile is intriguing. He excels in barreling up balls, drawing walks, and maintaining a low chase rate, meaning he rarely swings at pitches outside the strike zone. However, he also strikes out nearly a quarter of the time and has a below-average whiff rate, suggesting he doesn’t always make solid contact when pitches are in the zone. This tendency is apparent when pitchers target the upper and outer parts of the zone, where he struggles more compared to hitters like Juan Soto, who hits well in all zones.
Although Ward doesn’t have the raw power of Aaron Judge, he could still be a valuable asset. With Alex Verdugo struggling since June, adding Ward might bolster the Yankees’ lineup. Comparing Ward to Verdugo, Ward is likely to perform better in the remainder of the season, and adding a bat with a wRC+ around 115 could significantly improve the Yankees’ offense.
The decision to acquire Ward raises questions about the future of Verdugo and Jasson Domínguez, who is recovering from elbow surgery. A trade for Ward would address immediate needs but might complicate future roster moves. While Ward is likely better than his current 2024 performance suggests, so is Verdugo. The Yankees must weigh whether to invest in Ward given their capped farm system and the current market conditions.
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