Reds' ideal trade target could stay put based on LA Angels' perplexing offseason

The Cincinnati Reds need an outfielder, and the Los Angeles Angels may have the ideal fit. Taylor Ward, who's from Dayton, Ohio, is said to be generating a lot of trade buzz this offseason. At this week's MLB Winter Meetings, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that the Angels are close to trading an outfielder.

Most, of course, assume that player is Ward. The past three seasons, the Angels' left fielder hit .260/.339/.441 with 62 home runs and 187 RBI. For his career, Ward has hit lefties well to the tune of a .287/.355/.450 slash line. Last season, Ward owned an .873 OPS against southpaws.

Given the Reds' struggles against left-handed pitching last season, the loss of Jonathan India, and the cadre of left-handed platoon bats in the Cincinnati outfield, you can see why Ward would slot in quite nicely. The 31-year-old is also under team control for two more seasons with an estimated cost of $9.2 million next season.

Reds' ideal trade target could stay put based on LA Angels' perplexing offseason

And while all that sounds like a slam dunk, the Angels have put together one of the most baffling off-seasons thus far. LA was the early aggressor during free agency. Angels' GM Perry Minasian signed Travis d'Arnaud, Kyle Hendricks, and Yusei Kikuchi. The Angels are also actively looking to replace longtime free agent bust Anthony Rendon. Do these moves feel like those of a rebuilding organization?

And that's where the idea of trading Ward fall apart. As Reds fans know all too well, just because other clubs are interested in your team's players doesn't mean you have to trade them. Looking at the overall landscape of the AL West, one could make the argument that even the Angels have a shot at the division crown in 2025.

The Houston Astros are a mess, and are currently looking to trade their star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Alex Bregman's return to H-Town is also in question. The Athletics are making moves just to ensure the MLBPA stays off their backs. The Seattle Mariners, who were expected to be aggressive this winter, have sat on their hands. And while the Texas Rangers have made moves, none of them really move the needle.

There's no doubt that the Angels could move Ward, and if they do, the Reds should be at the front of the line. But given how their offseason has unfolded, LA might see fit to hold on to one of their best players.

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