Craig Albernaz's Orioles' struggles could open door for much-needed Guardians trade

For the better part of the past half decade, former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward stood out as a clear trade candidate for the Cleveland Guardians. 

It was true in 2022 when the Guardians surprised all of MLB and came out of nowhere to win the American League Central, and it's been true for the past two seasons when the Guardians won back-to-back AL Central titles despite having one of the worst outfields in baseball. 

And it’s true again this year in a season where the Guardians are right in the mix of the watered-down American League Central despite needing a right-handed hitting slugger. 

But one of the best ways they could turn into a true contender this season as opposed to a contender of circumstance is by trading for Ward in the hopes he could be that kind of slugger for them. 

The Orioles’ struggles could help the Guardians get Taylor Ward

While Ward never seemed to truly be available during his tenure with the Angels, Ward’s now a member of the Baltimore Orioles, who entered play on Monday on the periphery of the American League postseason picture in former Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz’s first season on the top step of their dugout. 

It’s hard to imagine Albernaz didn’t have some kind of role in the Orioles’ decision to trade for Ward given he came from a Cleveland team that had always had Ward on its radar, but their pairing may not last much longer if the Orioles’ struggles continue. 

Last year, the Orioles were in a similar position and ended up authoring a full-scale sell-off that changed the trajectory of their franchise. Although owner Mike Elias has said that he wants to buy at this year’s trade deadline, he may not have a choice. 

Even if the Orioles don’t go for a full sell-off, they still could thread the needle of buying and selling by trading Ward, who is making $12.18 million this season and is set to be a free agent after the season. 

Ward’s in the midst of an interesting year, as he’s in the 98th percentile in walk rate and the 100th percentage in chase rate but has only hit five home runs and is on pace for the worst slugging percentage of his career across a full season (.353). 

In other words, he has the perfect profile for the Guardians. While they could use a pure power hitter, Ward’s productive, pesky  approach would be a perfect fit alongside Steven Kwan and Chase DeLauter. 

But even though Ward hasn’t had his typical power numbers, he’d still be a welcome addition to a Guardians outfield that’s been 13% below league average per wRC+. 

Ward’s going to be a free agent after the season, so it’s not like the Guardians would have to worry about being on the hook for his contract next season if his power numbers don’t come back. 

This iteration of Ward may not be the same kind of player the Guardians have long fawned after, but he’d still be a great addition to Cleveland's lineup. 

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