Despite the Braves being counted out during the Winter Meetings, the Braves acquiring another member of the Angels is still possible.
In the Atlanta Braves’ pursuit for an outfielder, news broke that revealed who they would not be acquiring rather than who might be on their way.
On December 10, The Athletic’s David O’Brien and MLB.com’s Mark Bowman claimed that Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, who had been linked to the Braves since the 2024 MLB trade deadline, was on the verge of being traded. However. According to O’Brien and Bowman, the Braves were not the team that acquired him.
However, it appears like the Braves may still have a shot after all. According to a recent story by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Ward is still available.
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman confirmed this on December 19. He stated that if a deal had occurred at the time, it would not have involved the Braves.
O’Brien rushed in and agreed the next day. It had to do with a specific rumor they had heard at the Winter Meeting.
“I still think he’d be a great fit for the Braves,” O’Brien concluded.
So, perhaps the Braves can still acquire Ward. Unlike other prospective outfield signings, he is a full-time left fielder, having played 141 games there last season. He also had a league-high five outfield assists.
While it wasn’t his best season, Ward did set some career highs in 2024. He set career highs for home runs (25), RBIs (75), and games played (156). He posted a 111 OPS+, the third-best of his career.
The Braves had added depth in the outfield. They signed Bryan De La Cruz to a non-guaranteed contract. They’ve also signed outfielder Conner Capel to a minor league deal.
As with last season, Jarred Kelenic and Eli White would be potential alternatives.
But those are in-depth pieces. Ward would be an excellent addition to the starting lineup. Over the last four seasons, he has been above average in terms of OPS+ and WAR.
As previously noted, he could serve as a suitable replacement for Ronald Acuña Jr. in right field. He shifts to left, leaving Ward, Acuña, and Michael Harris II in the outfield. That would result in a solid outfield.
Left field was one of the Braves’ weakest positions last season. Left fielders on the team slashed .229/.278/.364 and a 79 OPS+. The only position that did worse was at shortstop. Ward would provide an immediate boost.
It would be another transfer between Atlanta and Anaheim via the shuttle.
It began when the Braves traded designated hitter Jorge Soler for right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning. Canning was non-tendered and signed with the Mets.
The Braves then signed catcher Travis d’Arnaud to a two-year, $12 million contract with the Angels after declining his $8 million club option for 2025.
The Angels have signed former catching coach Sal Fasano as their assistant pitching coach.
On Friday, the Braves announced the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Davis Daniel in exchange for minor-league left-handed pitcher Mitch Farris.
