MLB trade deadline: Mariners acquire Taylor Ward from Orioles as team makes playoff push
The Seattle Mariners got a good look at power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward when he was a member of the rival Los Angeles Angels. With the team desperate to make a playoff push, Seattle decided to acquire Ward from the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Ward, 32, hasn't produced to his normal level with the Orioles in 2026.
His excellent pop — Ward hit a career-high 36 home runs last season — has not carried over to Baltimore. Through 111 games, he's hit just seven home runs and is on pace for his worst power season since 2023, when he popped 14 home runs in 97 games.
Despite the power outage, Ward has found another way to provide value on offense, leading the American League in walks. His patience should be a welcome addition in Seattle, which ranks in the middle of the pack with an 8.9% walk rate as a team.
While Ward has plenty of experience playing against the Mariners, he hasn't produced well at T-Mobile Park. Ward carries a career .195/.236/.297 slash line at the park.
The Mariners enter Monday 55-58, but are just two games out of a wild-card spot in the AL. After shipping out Luis Castillo's contract, Seattle is expected to be among the most active teams at the deadline. Another pitcher — Emerson Hancock or George Kirby — could also be shipped out as the team looks to strengthen its offense for a second-half playoff push.
