Angels Acquire Grayson Rodriguez, Expected Ready for Spring Training 2026

The Angels made one of the first notable moves of the MLB offseason this week, sending outfielder Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitcher Grayson Rodriguez. The trade signals a clear focus on addressing Los Angeles’ long-standing starting pitching struggles, which became glaring during another disappointing season.

Rodriguez, who missed all of 2025 due to right elbow inflammation, brings both potential and risk. The pitcher had previously demonstrated solid production, going 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 2024 and 7-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 2023. While health concerns remain, the Angels are banking on Rodriguez regaining form and bolstering a rotation that ranked 28th in team ERA last season.

Baseball America’s managing editor Taylor Blake Ward reported that Rodriguez will begin throwing bullpens in January and is on track for Spring Training 2026. This timeline provides optimism for Los Angeles, as they aim to strengthen their rotation ahead of the new season.

The trade also represents a strategic choice by the Angels, who risk losing a proven power hitter in Ward but gain the possibility of a frontline starter. Combined with the recent hiring of pitching coach Mike Maddux, the move is viewed as part of a broader effort to improve the team’s pitching staff and contend for the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

1. Rodriguez Brings Experience and Potential

Grayson Rodriguez’s track record shows promise when healthy. In 2024, he recorded 13 wins with a 3.86 ERA, demonstrating the ability to be an effective starter in a major-league rotation. Even in 2023, he managed a 7-4 record and 4.35 ERA, underscoring a level of consistency when not hampered by injuries. The elbow inflammation that sidelined him in 2025 is a concern, but reports indicate the Angels are confident he can recover and return to full strength. Starting bullpens in January gives the team ample time to integrate him into the pitching staff ahead of Spring Training. Rodriguez joins a rotation that includes Yusei Kikuchi, Jose Soriano, Mitch Farris, and Caden Dana. While he won’t immediately transform the rotation into a top-tier unit, his presence adds depth and potential for high-quality innings. This move also signals the Angels’ willingness to take calculated risks to address weaknesses. By acquiring a pitcher with proven ability when healthy, they hope to balance the loss of offensive production from Taylor Ward with a stronger pitching foundation.

2. Trade Strategy and Team Implications

Trading Ward represents a calculated decision for the Angels. While the team loses a key power hitter, it also frees payroll and opens the door to further roster moves, particularly aimed at strengthening the pitching staff. Some analysts have suggested that Ward may have departed in free agency regardless, making the trade a preemptive move rather than a pure loss. The addition of Rodriguez fits within a larger strategy to improve the starting rotation. The Angels’ pitching has struggled consistently, and acquiring a pitcher capable of front-of-the-rotation performance addresses one of the organization’s most pressing needs. Pitching coach Mike Maddux’s recent hiring adds another layer of optimism. Maddux’s experience could be instrumental in helping Rodriguez return to form and maximizing the potential of the existing rotation. Looking ahead, the Angels may continue to pursue additional starting pitchers this offseason. While Rodriguez provides a potential cornerstone, adding another experienced arm could solidify the rotation and enhance the team’s playoff chances in 2026.

3. Outlook for 2026 Season

With Rodriguez expected to be ready for Spring Training, the Angels have a clearer picture of their pitching staff heading into 2026. If he performs at the level he showed in 2024, he could anchor the rotation and help improve overall team ERA. The loss of Ward will impact the offense, but the trade reflects a prioritization of pitching depth over immediate hitting production. Los Angeles’ front office appears committed to building a more balanced roster capable of competing deep into the season. Fans will be watching closely during Spring Training to gauge Rodriguez’s health and readiness. The combination of a developing rotation and a potentially improved pitching staff provides hope for a team seeking to return to postseason contention. The Angels’ move demonstrates a focus on long-term competitiveness, balancing risk with the need for immediate improvements on the mound.