"No, the Marlins haven't actually made a trade themselves yet. Yet as all true baseball sickos know, no trade happens in a vacuum in the MLB offseason. Every transaction adds or eliminates names from the talent pool, adds or eliminates teams competing for said talent, and plays a part in determining the value of each and every commodity out there on the market."
"Taylor Ward had a great season last year to be sure, but the book on him remains largely unchanged- much closer to "just a guy" than being "the GUY" that will help take a team to the next level. The Angels rolling the dice on a player that was very recently viewed as one of baseball's best pitching prospects, and by some lists as the best pitching prospect? That makes more sense."
The Orioles traded Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Taylor Ward. The Miami Marlins face indirect consequences because offseason trades reshuffle the talent pool and alter team competition for players. On paper the trade looks like an undersell of a high-upside starting pitcher by a team needing rotation help. Taylor Ward produced a strong season and has been durable, averaging 157 games the last two seasons and at least 135 in three of four. Rodriguez has had multiple IL stints and missed games, though without any particularly severe pitching injuries. Baltimore may have prioritized immediate, reliable offense and health over Rodriguez’s upside and views any return that helps in 2026 as a win.
Read at Marlin Maniac
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