The Los Angeles Angels are hanging around the playoff race longer than most probably anticipated.
At 40-40, the Angels are currently seven-and-a-half games back from the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West but sit just one game out of the third AL Wild Card spot.
The Angels are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now, winning seven of their last 10 games and boasting a 14-9 record in June.
Los Angeles is actually in position to buy instead of sell at the trade deadline, and Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated predicts their top trade chip will remain with the Halos.
Outfielder Taylor Ward is having a career-year and is on pace to hit 38 home runs and drive in 107 runs.
Ward, 31, doesn’t have the greatest slash line but has played quality baseball this season. Ward has 19 home runs and 53 RBI while slashing .208/.278/.460 in 78 games.
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“Under team control through 2026, Ward could be of use to teams with corner outfield holes and add some extra thump to the middle of the lineup,” wrote Selbe. “But the Angels are hovering on the periphery of the wild-card race and have demonstrated a reluctance to sell in years past, so it seems more likely he’ll stay put in Anaheim.”
Ward’s name has been in trade rumors for a while now, with the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies among others showing a clear need for a left fielder.
If the Angels believe they can hang around the Wild Card, the team may explore minor upgrades at the deadline and hold on to pieces like Ward, Kenley Jansen and Tyler Anderson for a playoff push.
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