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5 outfielders the Pittsburgh Pirates should monitor on the trade market
By Noah Wright
Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward would be one of my top players to go after if they are on the trade market. The LA Angels corner outfielder has put up some very solid numbers over the last four seasons. So far, 2024 looks like it could be his best season, especially when you look under the hood at some of the underlying metrics.
Ward is batting .271/.323/.482 on the year. Ward already has 11 home runs after hitting 14 last year but in nearly half the amount of plate appearances. While his walk rate is down at 7.7%, his 22.3% strikeout rate is about average for him. All told, Ward has a .347 wOBA and 124 wRC+ so far in 220 plate appearances.
But a look at some of the underlying numbers paint a very bright outlook for Ward. Ward is in the 87th percentile or higher in xBA, xSLG%, and xwOBA. His 91.1 MPH exit velocity is currently the best of his career, as is his 14.3% barrel rate. He is in the 90th percentile of barrel percentage, ranking 21st overall and just ahead of the likes of Yordan Alvarez, Pete Alonso, and Bryce Harper.
Defensively, Ward has never graded out as an outstanding defender, but he is also not one who will struggle making plays. He has -2 defensive runs saved but a +2.8 UZR/150 and +1 out above average. Overall, Ward is an average defender with an above-average arm. He has only played left field this year but has more career innings in right field.
Ward is controlled through the 2026 season, so acquiring him means you’re getting two full seasons of control left, plus whatever portion of 2024 remains. Ward has simply just been a good batter since 2021. If he plays even to a fraction of what his underlying numbers suggest, he’d be a massive upgrade to any line-up, especially the Pirates’.