The Baltimore Orioles are making it clear: they’re not content with sitting on the sidelines this offseason. And newly acquired outfielder Taylor Ward is all in on the vision.
Ward, who arrived in Baltimore via a trade that sent starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels, joined MLB Network Radio this week and didn’t hold back his enthusiasm about the moves the Orioles have made - and might still be making.
“The more Mike [Elias] has been doing, I just think it's incredible,” Ward said, referencing the Orioles’ president of baseball operations. “Just adding piece after piece - hopefully we're not done - but as of right now, I'm really excited to get down there.”
Ward’s excitement is understandable. Baltimore’s front office has been aggressive this winter, and the biggest splash came at the tail end of the Winter Meetings, when the Orioles landed slugger Pete Alonso on a five-year, $155 million deal. It’s a move that sent a clear message: the O’s are going for it.
“Excited,” Ward said when asked about Alonso. “Such a great hitter.
Obviously, him being in the National League, don’t play him as much, but more often the last two years. One of the guys I came up with - we may have played in the Fall League together just right around that time - so I know of him obviously.
Just the power that he brings to the table, it’s going to be great for this lineup.”
Power is the operative word here. Alonso and Ward bring plenty of it - 377 home runs between them since breaking into the majors. And for a Baltimore team that fell short of the postseason last year after back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, that kind of pop in the lineup could be a difference-maker in the AL East arms race.
Ward is coming off a season in which he posted a .228 average but crushed a career-best 36 home runs and drove in 103 runs - both team highs for the Angels. While the batting average dipped, the power production was undeniable. He’s expected to slot in as Baltimore’s everyday left fielder, giving the O’s another dangerous bat in a lineup that already features young talent and now, some serious veteran thump.
The Orioles’ offseason isn’t just about big names - it’s about building a lineup that can go toe-to-toe with the beasts of the American League. And with Alonso anchoring the middle of the order and Ward adding depth and power, Baltimore’s offense is shaping up to be one of the more dangerous groups in the league.
It’s still early in the offseason, and as Ward hinted, there could be more moves to come. But one thing’s already clear: the Orioles aren’t standing pat. They’re building a contender - and Ward is ready to be part of it.