Part 3 in our series for players the Cincinnati Reds should do their due diligence and take a look at trading for. For our article on Luis Robert Jr., click here. Typically, the Cincinnati Reds don’t really go out and make moves for big leaguers. Prospect hoarding and developing is the name of the game. The Reds are starting to turn the ship around after a horrid May. Just one game back from a Wild Card spot, the Reds are within reach, but need to make a move to shore up the outfield.
That’s where Taylor Ward comes in. If they continue this run they’re on, they’ll be in a great position at the deadline and the Angels figure to be sellers at the deadline.
Analyzing Taylor Ward’s Value
Taylor Ward’s value is very affected by his age and contract. There is team control through 2026 at which point he will be 32. Ward has one all-star level season – 2022. He slugged 23 home runs with a .281 average and 16 runs above average. As of writing, he is slashing .235/.318/.419. He’s also whacked 12 HRs, which would lead the Reds alongside Elly De La Cruz and Jeimer Candelario.
Ward is in the 90th percentile or higher in xSLG (92nd Percentile: .517), Barrel % (93rd Percentile: 15.3%), and Chase % (95th Percentile: 18.6%). He’s also well above average in xBA, Average Exit Velo, Hard Hit %, and BB % (11.4%). He has a great eye and he hits the ball HARD. This year, he’s hitting LHP significantly better than RHP, but over his career its been even and in fact, in 2022, he hit RHP better. He’s an everyday LF.
Acquiring Taylor Ward gives the Reds Options.
Writers Mike & Nati traded ideas of potential packages. Be sure to look at Mike’s below Nati’s.
Nati’s package for the Los Angeles Angels
What the Reds Get
OF Taylor Ward
What the Angels Get
RHP Julian Aguiar
SS Victor Acosta
RHP Yosver Zulueta
Why does Nati’s make sense for both teams?
Taylor Ward’s production isn’t elite by any means, he’s just genuinely a “good” bat, which is what the Cincinnati Reds could really use. He also has pop, to both sides of the field, which is what attracts me to him. His xHR in Great American Ballpark is 18 currently, he only has 12 on the season. Where I don’t see a ton of value in Ward, he DOES come with years of control, and a professional resume. Each season he’s been in the bigs post covid, he has a 107 or higher wRC+, which would…lead the Reds in the OF right now. Pathetic, I know. He’s also an above average fielder. He feels like the perfect guy to go after using Julian Aguiar, who would be an absolute gem pitching at Angel Stadium. I feel as if the Angels will want a tick more than this, and rightfully so. A year ago, this probably goes through, but Acosta has struggled real bad this year. May they prefer Carlos Jorge here? I’d be inclined to add him.
Mike V’s package for the Oakland Athletics
What the Reds Get
OF Taylor Ward
What the Angels Get
RHP Lyon Richardson
OF Rece Hinds
Why does Mike’s make sense for both teams?
Ward has cooled down recently, and he only has 2022 to really hang his hat on. The Angels say they want a haul for him, but there are more names than his available for teams that need a right-handed outfielder. Even his teammate Jo Adell whom I would not mind adding. A trade for Taylor Ward will not define this market.
The Reds have a unique opportunity here to grab a guy with major upside that they can control for the rest of this year and the next two years. They really should not have to give up much to get a 30 year old whose best year was two years ago and is currently in a slump – .186 over his last 30 games.
The Angels will want a controllable player in return – likely a pitcher over a position player. Their top 30 prospects don’t really include anybody who will be ready in the next year or so. Sending back Lyon Richardson gives them a young rotation option that has honestly underperformed his potential. Richardson is worth a look in the big leagues on a bad club that can really give him a chance. He won’t be enough alone though.
The Reds will likely also have to include a near-MLB ready bat too. Rece Hinds fits the bill perfectly as far as value goes. Hinds is another guy that has good potential, but needs to work through some things. He has 11 HRs on the season (he’s got some pop), but his average is just .214. On his MiLB career, he’s batting .245. Hinds would figure to be a bench bat today in the Angels organization that may get a shot at the lineup.
If these two aren’t enough, I’m not sure I am willing to give up more. Graham Ashcraft straight up would probably get this done, but I’m not willing to give him up for Taylor Ward betting that he plays like he did in 2022.
Comment your trade ideas below.
