Angels Risk Ohtani Disaster by Undervaluing Taylor Ward

The Los Angeles Angels are at a pivotal crossroads as they prepare for the 2025 season. With critical arbitration decisions looming and a roster that needs fine-tuning, the team’s future direction hinges on key contract negotiations and strategic trades. One of the most significant decisions revolves around Taylor Ward and Jo Adell, two second-year players who could be integral to the Angels’ rebuilding process following the loss of Shohei Ohtani.

The departure of Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers has left a considerable gap in the team, both in talent and financial flexibility. Now, how the Angels handle Ward and Adell will not only impact their immediate future but also set the tone for how they build a competitive team for years to come.

Taylor Ward’s Contract and Trade Speculations

In 2024, Taylor Ward made a significant impact on the Angels’ lineup, hitting a career-high 25 home runs and solidifying himself as a key player. However, his contract negotiations have raised some eyebrows. Initially expected to sign for around $9 to $10 million, Ward ultimately agreed to a more affordable $7.825 million deal.

This relatively inexpensive contract has made him an attractive trade target for several teams, including the Royals, Pirates, and Guardians. While the Angels could look to trade Ward, the team may also decide to keep him for the 2025 season, allowing them to evaluate his long-term potential. As Mike Frisch noted, Ward’s contract situation gives the Angels flexibility, especially with his Super Two status, which grants him an additional arbitration year in 2026.

By keeping Ward on a team-friendly deal, the Angels could maintain valuable assets while navigating their rebuilding phase. His impressive performance and relatively low cost could also make him a significant player in future trade discussions, as the team focuses on developing a strong roster post-Ohtani.

Jo Adell’s Growth and Future Value

Alongside Ward, Jo Adell is another player the Angels are looking to develop for the future. Adell signed a $2.1 million deal for his first arbitration season in 2024, and after a rocky start to the season, he showed significant improvement, especially with his batting mechanics. By the end of the year, Adell finished with a .248/.320/.451 slash line, significantly lowering his strikeout rate after adjustments to his swing.

Despite his early struggles, Adell’s potential remains high. The Angels have the opportunity to keep him under contract until 2027, which gives them the time to develop him into a key contributor. Jon Frisch pointed out that Adell’s affordable contract and improving performance may boost his trade value, which could prove advantageous for the team in the coming years.

Adell’s growth trajectory makes him a valuable asset for the Angels, and his ability to adapt and improve could play a crucial role in the team’s long-term success.

Angels’ Financial Decisions and Shohei Ohtani’s Legacy

The financial decisions the Angels make regarding Ward and Adell are intricately tied to the legacy of Shohei Ohtani. The Angels’ failure to trade Ohtani at peak value has forced them to focus on developing a strong core from within the organization. With Ohtani’s massive contract with the Dodgers, the Angels now find themselves navigating a rebuilding phase while remaining competitive in a tough MLB landscape.

As one analyst put it, “This encourages Halos to stick with him”, referring to how the Angels might maximize their roster’s potential with their existing players. The team’s success hinges on proper contract negotiations, strategic trades, and maximizing the development of players like Ward and Adell.

By making the right financial and personnel decisions, the Angels could eventually rise from the shadows of Ohtani’s departure and build a more sustainable, competitive future. However, this will require a careful balance between contract management, player development, and leveraging the trade market to maximize value.

What Lies Ahead for the Angels?

The 2025 season is crucial for the Los Angeles Angels. With the departure of Shohei Ohtani and a roster in need of rebuilding, the team’s next moves regarding Taylor Ward and Jo Adell could determine the future trajectory of the franchise. Whether they choose to hold on to these key players or use them as trade assets will shape the Angels’ chances of building a more competitive team for the long haul.

Will the Angels find the right balance between contract flexibility, player development, and trade value to succeed in a post-Ohtani era? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: the team’s financial decisions and the development of Ward and Adell will be vital to their success.