Key Takeaways:
– Atlanta Braves may trade for LA Angels outfielder, Taylor Ward, due to team injuries.
– Braves’ prospect JR Ritchie and right-handed pitcher Allan Winans may be exchanged for Ward.
– The Angels don’t necessarily need to trade Ward, thanks to club control till 2026.
– Ward’s decent performance despite time out due to injuries makes him a promising prospect for the Braves.
– Despite his recovery from a Tommy John surgery, JR Ritchie’s promising potential makes him attractive for the Angels.
The Atlanta Braves Show Interest in Taylor Ward
The Atlanta Braves are mulling over their choices in attempts to reinforce their outfield, which has been greatly impacted by injuries. One option is seeking the talents of Taylor Ward, an outfielder currently with the Los Angeles Angels. A report by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter suggests that to secure Ward, the Braves might consider trading their number 4 prospect, JR Ritchie and right-handed pitcher Allan Winans.
This urgent need to solidify the Braves’ outfield has come following the unfortunate injury of key player Ronald Acuna Jr., who will be missing the rest of the season, along with Michael Harris II who is expected to remain out for a significant period due to a hamstring injury.
Taylor Ward: A Potential Game Changer
Even though he has just one full-year stint in the majors, Ward has shown commendable stability on the field. He put up a 116 OPS+ and hit 14 home runs in 76 games in the current season. The 30-year-old athlete was hit by a pitch last season, which led to facial fractures. Despite the setback, he has bounced back and could add significant value to the Braves.
Reuter suggests that now might be an ideal time for the Angels to trade Ward due to the team’s ongoing restructuring strategy. Although the Angels have control over Ward till 2026, trading him now would be a wise decision.
Ward’s Attractive Qualities for a Prospective Trade
The value of Ward for potential buyers lies in his abilities on the field as well as his modest salary ($4.8 million this year), making him an economically viable choice. Though he is over 30 years old, and has played fewer games due to past injuries, the Angels can still receive a decent return value by selling high now.
Leaving the Braves: JR Ritchie’s Journey
For Atlanta to land Ward, they might have to part ways with JR Ritchie. The 2022 number 35 overall pick has shown prospects of immense potential. Ritchie recently returned from a Tommy John surgery which makes his situation a balancing act. On one side, he has pitched only 2 innings in 2024 and 15.1 in total over the last two years, implying he has more to show to prove he is game-ready. On the other hand, having the surgery behind him at age 21 provides ample time for further development of his skills. Evidently, Ritchie’s potential to be a major-league starter makes him a valuable asset to the Angels.
Additionally, Allan Winans might also be exchanged if this trade takes place. Even though his performance in his 37.1 innings of Major League experience has not been impressive, the Angels could possibly incorporate him into their pitching staff.
As both teams evaluate their options leading up to the trade deadline, the proposed players could play pivotal roles in their strategic planning. Only time will tell if this proposed trade will come to fruition and how it will transform both teams moving forward.