Orioles' anticipated Opening Day roster after the Taylor Ward acquisition

Jared Bloom

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Orioles' projected Opening Day lineup following Taylor Ward trade image

TL;DR

  • Baltimore Orioles traded pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to Los Angeles Angels for Taylor Ward.
  • Fans question trading a pitcher for Ward, who is a free agent after 2026.
  • Orioles acquired a right-handed slugger, fulfilling a team need for offense.
  • Baltimore may focus on acquiring starting pitching after the Ward trade.

Less than ten days ago, the Baltimore Orioles chose to release pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, who has frequently been sidelined by injuries. A trade was finalized with the Los Angeles Angels, with Rodriguez being sent to them and Taylor Ward acquired in exchange. 

The trade immediately raised doubts, given Baltimore's existing need for pitching. Certain fans feel a top-tier pitcher was traded for someone who might only be with the team for the 2026 season, as Ward is set to become a free agent after 2026. 

Still, the front office likely viewed Rodriguezz as a gamble, and his enduring health might not prove beneficial. Nevertheless, Baltimore secured a right-handed slugger, fulfilling a team requirement. 

Orioles' anticipated Opening Day roster after the Taylor Ward acquisition

This offseason, Baltimore might be concentrating its efforts on starting pitching. Outside of the Ward trade, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter doesn't anticipate them making further offensive acquisitions. 

"The Orioles might have already made their big offensive splash when they acquired slugger Taylor Ward from the Angels in exchange for oft-injured starter Grayson Rodriguez."

According to Reuter, their Opening Day starting lineup could look like this:

  • 2B Jackson Holliday
  • C Adley Rutschman
  • SS Gunnar Henderson
  • LF Taylor Ward
  • 3B Jordan Westburg
  • CF Colton Cowser
  • RF Tyler O'Neill
  • DH Samuel Basallo
  • 1B Coby Mayo

The four-hole will be managed by Ward, with younger players Coby Mayo and Samuel Basallo getting starting positions. Ryan Mountcastle, however, will be available for use as a substitute and might play first base following his contract tender. 

While Baltimore's offensive moves this offseason might be limited, anticipate them being active in the starting pitcher arena. Securing at least one top-tier starter to complement Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish for the upcoming season is a necessity.

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Editorial Team