Taylor Ward 2026 MLB Season Preview

The Baltimore Orioles made one of the highest-profile acquisitions in franchise history when they signed star first baseman Pete Alonso this past offseason, but that wasn't their only addition to the lineup. They also got veteran outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez in November. Ward is a quintessential power hitter, as he hit just .

228 but tied for 10th in MLB with 36 home runs and tied for 11th with 103 RBIs last season. The 32-year-old was also 36th with a . 475 slugging percentage.

Ward will start in left field for Baltimore at least for this season, as he's in his last year of arbitration. The 6-foot, 200-pounder is the team's third-most established home run hitter behind Alonso, as he has 113 career homers while Alonso has 264 and right fielder Tyler O'Neill has 118. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle is fourth with 98.

Taylor Ward's Experience is Vital for Orioles Former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward (3). © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images This is partially because the Orioles' lineup is dominated by players under 30. Second baseman Jackson Holliday is 22, third baseman Jordan Westburg is 27, star shortstop Gunnar Henderson is 24, center fielder Colton Cowser is 26, right fielder Dylan Beavers is 24, designated hitter/catcher Samuel Basallo is 21, and catcher Adley Rutschman is 28.