Trade buzz nothing new for O's outfielder Ward as Deadline closes in

BALTIMORE -- This isn’t the first time Taylor Ward has been featured in rumors and buzz leading up to MLB’s annual Trade Deadline, even if he’s never been part of an in-season deal.

“I mean, I had a pretty good run at this in Anaheim for about three years in a row,” said Ward, who was traded by the Angels to the Orioles in an offseason move on Nov. 19, 2025.

So, it hasn’t been anything new for Ward to hear about the potential of being traded by Baltimore before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET Deadline. The O’s trade strategy could feature a mix of buying and selling -- as president of baseball operations Mike Elias stated Friday afternoon -- though their first deal was the sell-type move of trading right-hander Dean Kremer to the Twins late Friday night.

If the Orioles move any additional big leaguers, it could be players on expiring contracts -- such as Ward, a 32-year-old outfielder set to hit free agency after the season.

“At this point, it is what it is. I'd love to stay here. Love the guys, love the coaching staff. I like where this organization is heading. And I would love to stay,” Ward said after Baltimore’s 5-0 loss to Philadelphia at Camden Yards on Saturday night. "But I understand, at the end of the day, it's a business, and they've got to do what's best for the team."

The O’s are 54-57 and haven’t had a record of .500 or better since late April. In many years, they’d be well out of the postseason hunt.

But this season is different. The Orioles still sit only 1 1/2 games behind the Guardians (56-56) and the Twins (56-56) for the third American League Wild Card spot, with the Rangers (55-56) also ahead of them in the crowded mix.

Elias, however, is focused solely on making good trades, no matter how exactly they’re composed. Baltimore’s front office still believes the team can make a run in 2026, but it doesn’t want to ignore the long-term health of the franchise.

Ward’s power has dipped significantly, as the right-handed hitter has hit only seven home runs in 110 games this season after slugging a career-best 36 over 157 games for the Halos last year. That said, Ward has been among the O’s most reliable offensive producers, hitting .245 with 20 doubles, a career-best 87 walks and a .729 OPS.

“I think there's just so much more out there, especially with the slug,” Ward said. “It’s just been a weird year with that. But I think there's more in the tank with that, and just got to figure it out.”

Trade rumors continue to circulate regarding several of Ward’s Orioles teammates as well. There’s been a lot of recent buzz regarding catcher Adley Rutschman, as sources told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Saturday that several clubs have discussed the three-time All-Star with Baltimore, which could make him available.

Another potential trade chip is left-handed starter Trevor Rogers, who -- like Ward -- is set to hit free agency this upcoming offseason.

“I just control the controllables. My wife’s on Twitter a lot, so I have to tell her, ‘Give your eyes a break, let’s relax a little bit, kind of stay where our feet are,’” Rogers said. “We’ll see what happens.”

Ward is taking a similar approach, much like he has in past years around this time.

“You show up here every day, and at least for me, personally, I have my process I go through, and that usually keeps outside noise or any worry or anything other than what I'm focusing on that day out of what I'm thinking about,” Ward said. “For me, it's pretty easy. Like I said, with the Angels, been through it. It is what it is. So, not too hard for me.”

Baltimore’s roster could look quite a bit different by Tuesday, whether that’s because of additions or subtractions. But regardless of who stays or comes, the group will try to make a run and get the O’s into the postseason for the third time in four years.

Regardless of Ward’s own status, he believes that is something that can happen.

“Oh, I have tons of confidence in this team. I just think we’ve got to keep playing good baseball,” Ward said. “I think that's just the biggest thing.”