The Los Angeles Angels have stayed busy this offseason and are once again in the mix for a high-profile free agent. According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Angels are one of the leading contenders for one of the top corner outfielders available.
Petzold reported on Sunday that the Angels and Blue Jays are frontrunners for Anthony Santander, a right fielder who hit 44 home runs and posted a 129 wRC+ in 2024. If Los Angeles secures Santander, it could have ripple effects for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as the Angels might need to trade one of their current corner outfielders to make room.
Two potential trade candidates would be Taylor Ward or Jo Adell. The Pirates expressed interest in Ward at the MLB Trade Deadline before ultimately opting for Bryan De La Cruz. Jeff Passan has noted that Ward remains available on the trade market, and a deal for Santander could speed up any potential trade involving him.
If Angels rumors for Anthony Santander come to life, Pirates could find their next corner outfielder from Los Angeles.
Ward aligns perfectly with the Pirates’ needs and would significantly strengthen Pittsburgh’s lineup. The right-handed outfielder has two years of team control remaining before hitting free agency and is owed $4.8 million this season. This salary fits comfortably within Pittsburgh’s budget and wouldn’t require as substantial a trade package as it might have at the trade deadline when teams are more desperate.
Last season, Ward showcased his power with 25 home runs, 26 doubles, and two triples, contributing to a .426 slugging percentage. Combined with a .323 on-base percentage, he produced a solid .748 OPS. He also posted a wRC+ of 111 and drove in 75 runs.
For the Pirates, Ward is an ideal target. However, the Angels may choose to keep him, especially given Mike Trout’s injury history. If that happens, the Pirates could turn their attention to Jo Adell. The 25-year-old former top prospect emerged as a strong defender in 2024 but has struggled with consistency at the plate and hasn’t fully tapped into his power.
Adell has shown steady improvement, and in his first season with regular playing time, he hit 20 home runs and drove in 62 runs, though his .682 OPS and wRC+ of 90 highlight room for growth. His strikeout rate of 27.9% remains a concern, but his exceptional bat speed (76.7 mph, ranking in the 98th percentile) and impressive hard-hit rate (44.7%) and barrel rate (11.7%)—both in the league’s top 30%—suggest untapped potential.
Defensively, Ward holds a slight edge, but both players have posted positive Outs Above Average metrics. Adell’s elite sprint speed (top 15% in MLB) contrasts with Ward’s slower profile (bottom 33%).
If the Angels sign Anthony Santander, it could create a ripple effect that benefits the Pirates. Los Angeles might need to trade an outfielder following the signing, and Pittsburgh, with a glaring need in right field, would likely be eager to make a deal.
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