The Los Angeles Angels find themselves at a crossroads as the 2025 MLB season approaches the midway point. After a series of aggressive offseason moves and the lingering effects of a 99-loss campaign in 2024, the club is still searching for a clear direction. With the postseason looking increasingly out of reach and a roster featuring a mix of aging veterans and unproven youth, the Angels must make a difficult but necessary decision, trade outfielder Taylor Ward before the 2025 trade deadline.

The Case for Trading Taylor Ward

Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward (3) leaves the field after defeating the Miami Marlins at Angel Stadium.
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Taylor Ward, now 31, has quietly become one of the most consistent and productive players on the Angels’ roster. In 2024, Ward posted career-highs in home runs (25) and RBIs (75), leading the club with 156 games played and slashing .246/.323/.426. His durability, right-handed power, and ability to play all three outfield spots make him a valuable asset for any contender seeking to bolster its lineup for a playoff push.

Ward’s contract situation further enhances his trade value. He remains under team control through 2026, giving any acquiring team multiple years of affordable production. For the Angels, whose farm system is slowly recovering but still lacks high-impact talent at the upper levels, moving Ward represents an opportunity to accelerate their rebuild by acquiring young, controllable talent.

The Angels’ current roster construction does not align with the timeline for contention. Mike Trout’s injuries have limited his availability, and while prospects like Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto offer promise, the club’s pitching depth remains thin and the overall roster lacks the star power to compete in a loaded AL West. The Angels’ top prospects, Christian Moore, Caden Dana, and George Klassen, are either not yet MLB-ready or have struggled in limited big-league exposure.

Trading Ward now, while his value is at its peak, allows the Angels to target organizations flush with young pitching and outfield depth. The goal should be to acquire players who can contribute in 2026 and beyond, fitting the club’s realistic window for contention.

The Trade Proposal

Proposed Trade:

Los Angeles Angels receive:

  •  RHP Mick Abel (No. 3 Phillies prospect, MLB Pipeline)

  • OF Justin Crawford (No. 4 Phillies prospect)

  • RHP Samuel Aldegheri (recently acquired, Angels’ No. 5 prospect).

Philadelphia Phillies receive:

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  • Taylor Ward, OF

The Phillies are in win-now mode, boasting a potent lineup but seeking a reliable right-handed bat to balance their outfield. Ward’s versatility and power fit perfectly in Philadelphia, where he could slot into left field or serve as a high-quality fourth outfielder and DH option. The Phillies have the prospect depth to make a significant offer without mortgaging their future.

For the Angels, this deal brings immediate and long-term benefits. Mick Abel is a former first-round pick with frontline starter upside. He features a mid-90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a developing changeup. While his command can be inconsistent, Abel’s ceiling is that of a No. 2 starter, and he could be MLB-ready by 2026.

Justin Crawford is an athletic, left-handed outfielder with elite speed and defensive skills. The son of former All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin projects as a top-of-the-order threat with the potential to develop more power as he matures.

Samuel Aldegheri is a high-upside left-handed pitcher who has already shown flashes in the upper minors. While he is currently with the Angels, including him in this proposal allows the Phillies to address their need for left-handed pitching depth, and the Angels could substitute another prospect if needed.

This package would immediately become one of the best returns for a position player at the 2025 deadline, replenishing the Angels’ system with two top-100 prospects and a high-upside arm.

Trading Taylor Ward is not about giving up on the 2025 season; it’s about acknowledging the reality of the Angels’ situation and taking proactive steps to build a sustainable contender. The Angels have been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity for nearly a decade, often refusing to part with productive veterans until their value has diminished. By moving Ward now, the club can avoid repeating past mistakes and inject much-needed youth and upside into the organization.

Ward’s departure would open up playing time for younger outfielders like Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak, allowing the Angels to evaluate their long-term roles. It would also send a clear message to fans and the league that the Angels are committed to a true rebuild, rather than clinging to false hope.

The 2025 trade deadline represents a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Angels. By trading Taylor Ward at his peak value, the Angels can acquire the type of high-upside, controllable talent necessary to reshape their future. The proposed deal with the Phillies addresses immediate organizational needs and positions the Angels for long-term success. For a franchise in desperate need of a new direction, this is the bold move that must be made before the deadline arrives.