"Traded dirt for mud"; "Angels fleeced Baltimore" - Fans erupt as $2.75B franchise pulls off Taylor Ward for Grayson Rodriguez trade

The Los Angeles Angels, valued at $2.75 billion by Forbes, traded outfielder Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Grayson Rodriguez. Ward was headed into his walk year in 2026, while Rodriguez has years of club control, but health issues have marred his performances on the mound.

Taylor Ward hit a career high of 36 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2025. At 31 years of age, he is expected to add some veteran presence in the Orioles outfield, which is considerably young. Grayson Rodriguez missed the entirety of his age-25 season this year. He has pitched to a 20-8, 4.11 ERA in his two seasons, accompanied by a 1.29 WHIP.

Fans had varied reactions on social media. Two opposing sections felt that the trade would benefit either side.

Here are a few reactions:

"Holy shit they traded dirt for mud," a fan said.

proud ranger fan

@RangerApologist

@TalkinBaseball_ Holy shit they traded dirt for mud

"Angels fleeced Baltimore," another fan said.

Brandon Deutsch

@BSDtakes

@TalkinBaseball_ ANGELS FLEECED BALTIMORE

"What are the Orioles doing? Ward is 31 and the pitching isn’t great," a fan questioned.

Ken

@solflipseth

@TalkinBaseball_ What are the Orioles doing? Ward is 31 and the pitching isn’t great.

"I don't get it like at all I mean power bat but don't you guys need pitching?" another fan questioned.

Error

@Error343216

@TalkinBaseball_ I don't get it like at all I mean power bat but don't you guys need pitching?

"Oh great. Aquiring another pitcher coming off a surgery. I’m sure that won’t affect us negatively at all," an Angels fan noted.

TopShelfTerry

@HaloDarknesss

@TalkinBaseball_ Oh great. Aquiring another pitcher coming off a surgery. I’m sure that won’t affect us negatively at all.

"Bro this is a joke right?" a fan simply stated.

Hugh Jass

@heyhughthere

@TalkinBaseball_ Bro this is a joke right?

Taylor Ward will earn $13.5 million in arbitration for the 2026 season. On the other hand, Rodriguez is still attached to his pre-arbitration contract. The Angels will have team control over him till the end of the 2029 season.

How do Taylor Ward and Grayson Rodriguez fit in their new teams?

Ward is expected to join Colton Cowser as the regulars in the Baltimore Orioles outfield. Cowser is likely to play center field with Ward taking his place in his usual left fielder position. The team also has Tyler O'Neill, No.2 prospect Dylan Beavers, and Heston Kjerstad as depth for the corner outfield positions.

For the Angels, Jo Adell, who played in center field in 2025, could be moved back to the vacant left fielder position if Mike Trout can take up the right fielder duties.

Rodriguez slots into their rotation for now, which is headed by Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano. According to the Orioles' President of Baseball Operations, Mike Elias, back in September, he is set to be healthy come Spring Training.