RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
Right-handed hitters are expected to be among the most sought-after players before the Aug. 3 MLB Trade Deadline.
That reality could directly impact the Texas Rangers as they continue evaluating ways to strengthen their roster for the second half of the season.
According to Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo from The Athletic , Texas is specifically searching for a right-handed-hitting center fielder capable of platooning with Evan Carter.
Whether the Rangers can ultimately complete that type of addition may depend on ownership.
The biggest question remains whether owner Ray Davis is willing to provide the front office with additional payroll flexibility before the deadline.
If he does, one intriguing option could emerge.
Why Ward can help Rangers
A player who would likely receive considerable interest is Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward. That's as long as the team decides to make him available.
The Orioles remain only 2.5 games out of an American League Wild Card spot, leaving their deadline direction uncertain. That places Ward in the category of a borderline trade candidate rather than an obvious player to move.
Unlike a traditional platoon option, Ward has the ability to handle an everyday role while also providing the right-handed bat Texas is seeking.
According to Chad Jennings from The Athletic , Ward represents a safer trade prediction than teammate Adley Rutschman because he is approaching free agency.
Jennings also noted that Ward, who was acquired during the offseason to improve Baltimore’s right-handed power, has still been one of the Orioles’ most productive hitters. He’s doing so in an unexpected fashion, posting the highest OBP (.383) and lowest SLG (.350) of his career.
“It would be more fun to predict an Adley Rutschman trade, but Ward is a safer bet as an impending free agent. An offseason acquisition meant to improve the Orioles’ right-handed power, Ward has indeed been one of their best hitters, but he’s done it in an unexpected way with the highest on-base percentage and lowest slugging percentage of his career,” Jennings wrote.
Ward is hitting .248 with seven home runs, 30 RBIs and a .733 OPS in 108 games this season.
For the Rangers, his appeal extends beyond those statistics.
Adding another experienced right-handed hitter would give manager Skip Schumaker additional flexibility against left-handed pitching while reducing some of the offensive burden carried by the middle of the lineup. The Rangers already addressed their bullpen needs , and Ward would improve their roster further.
Ward’s value
Ward has developed into the type of dependable player contenders value because he contributes in multiple ways rather than relying exclusively on power.
His offensive approach emphasizes quality at-bats, while his experience as an everyday outfielder allows him to adapt to different lineup roles depending on the needs of his team.
He also brings considerable MLB experience and has shown the ability to handle the pressure that comes with playing meaningful games late in the season.
Players capable of maintaining a consistent approach regardless of circumstance often become valuable additions during a postseason race.
Another strength Ward offers is his professionalism and preparation.
Veteran position players who understand opposing pitchers, make adjustments throughout a series, and embrace different responsibilities can have an impact beyond their individual production.
For Texas, Ward would provide much more than another right-handed bat. He would add experience, lineup flexibility, defensive reliability, and the type of steady presence contenders often seek before the trade deadline.
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