This AL West team might surprisingly pull Reds' top deadline target off the market

The Cincinnati Reds may need to close the book on the fanciful idea of acquiring Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward. An Ohio native, Ward has long been a desired trade target for Reds fans, but it just doesn't seem realistic anymore.

The 31-year-old Ward has been a 20-plus home run threat for the last four seasons. This season, Ward is hitting just .225, but has a .474 slugging percentage and 22 round trippers. That's something Los Angeles may not want to part with, especially if they continue to see themselves as playoff contenders.

If the Angels end up being surprising buyers — rather than be expected sellers — at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, the Reds can kiss the idea of Ward making a return to Ohio goodbye.

Angels OF Taylor Ward may stay put, crushing the dreams of Reds fans

Right out of the gate, the Angels won their first game post-All-Star break on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies. And of course, Ward was a huge part in that victory, muscling a go-ahead two-run home run into the bleachers during the seventh inning on Friday night at Citizen's Bank Park.

When Ward is locked in at the plate, he's one of the top power-hitting outfielders in the league, all while offering average (to slightly above-average) fielding and base-running. So, if Los Angeles truly believes they'll make a postseason push — sitting at 48-49 entering Saturday (four games back in the AL Wild Card chase) — Ward will undoubtedly stay with the club, which has him under team control through 2026.

It's a bummer for Reds fans, but there are plenty of other outfield options available if Nick Krall wants to upgrade the roster. Some viable options include Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran, Jesús Sánchez of the Miami Marlins, and former Chicago White Sox All-Star Luis Robert Jr.

Krall could have a trade up his sleeve as the July 31 deadline approaches. Cincinnati's top decision-maker was proactive during the offseason when it came to making trades — Gavin Lux, Brady Singer, and Jose Trevino — and while Ward may be seen as a bit of a pipe dream at this point, other practical alternatives are still available.

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