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Joseph Taylor Ward (born December 14, 1993) is an American professional baseball left fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Key Information

Ward was raised in Central Florida before moving to Indio, California, where he attended Shadow Hills High School and emerged as a notable baseball prospect as a catcher. He played three seasons of college baseball for the Fresno State Bulldogs, earning multiple conference accolades. The Angels drafted Ward in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft, 26th overall. After spending four seasons in the Angels farm system and being converted to a third baseman, he made his MLB debut in 2018.

In his first four major league seasons, Ward did not find consistent playing time and was sent back down to the minor leagues on multiple occasions. In 2019, the Angels converted him to primarily play the outfield, forcing him to compete with fellow top prospects Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh for a spot while veterans Mike Trout, Justin Upton, and Kole Calhoun received most of the playing time. In 2022, Ward became the Angels' primary right fielder and was credited with a breakout season after he hit 23 home runs and led qualified Angels batters with a .281 batting average and a .360 on-base percentage (OBP). In 2023, he moved to left field.

Early life

[edit]

Joseph Taylor Ward was born on December 12, 1993, in Dayton, Ohio, to parents Joe and Samantha Ward. During his childhood, Ward's family moved to Oviedo, Florida, a suburb of Orlando. He enrolled at Hagerty High School for his freshman year of high school in 2008.[1]

In 2009, Ward's family moved to the Coachella Valley in Southern California, where he enrolled at the newly-opened Shadow Hills High School in Indio for his sophomore year. He played catcher for the Shadow Hills baseball team and was a two-time De Anza League First Team selection. In his junior season, he was named the De Anza League MVP and Offensive Player of the Year while also earning First Team honors in the California Interscholastic Federation's Southern Section. In his senior season, he caught for eventual MLB pitcher Tyson Miller, forming the team's top battery. Ward committed to play college baseball for California State University, Fresno, becoming the first student in Shadow Hills history to receive an athletic scholarship from an NCAA Division I school.[2] He was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 31st round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft but did not sign with the team, moving forward with his plans to attend college.[3]

College career

[edit]

Ward enrolled at California State University, Fresno, to play college baseball for the Fresno State Bulldogs.[4] In 2013, his freshman season, Ward's Bulldogs teammates included eventual major leaguers Aaron Judge, Jordan Luplow, and Austin Wynns.[5] In his first college season, Ward posted a .196 batting average with three home runs and 15 runs batted in (RBIs) in 46 games.[6] After the season, he made his collegiate summer baseball debut with the Anchorage Bucs of the Alaska Baseball League, batting .206 with three RBIs in 19 games.[7]

Ward standing at home plate and holding his bat in his left hand before a pitch is thrown. He is wearing an Anchorage Bucs uniform, a black jersey with a gold "B" logo and the number 6.
Ward with the Anchorage Bucs in 2013

In 2014, during his sophomore season, Ward earned two Mountain West Conference Player of the Week selections, first on February 24 and later on March 3. He finished the season batting .320 with six home runs and 41 RBIs, ranking second on the team in each category behind Luplow. He was named to the All-Mountain West second team as a catcher. Following the season, he was given a tryout for the United States collegiate national baseball team on May 28; he made the 24-man roster on June 30.[8] Ward also played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League, joining Jake Cronenworth, Bobby Dalbec, and David Fletcher on the team.[9] In seven games for Orleans, Ward went 4-for-20 (.222) with a home run and a pair of RBIs.[6]

In 2015, his junior season, Ward batted .304 with seven home runs and 42 RBIs, leading the team in the latter two categories.[6][10] He was named to the All-Mountain West first team as a catcher.[11] Ward was a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award, given annually to the best catcher in college baseball.[12]

Professional career

[edit]

Draft and minor leagues

[edit]

Following his junior season with Fresno State, Ward was ranked as the 70th-best draft prospect by Baseball America and 99th by MLB.com. Ward was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft, the 26th overall pick.[13][14] He became the 17th player in Fresno State history to be selected in the first round of the MLB draft, succeeding Aaron Judge's 2013 first-round selection. Ward was one of three Fresno State players selected in the 2015 draft.[15] He signed with the Angels on June 12 for a $1,670,000 bonus, below the recommended $2,036,000 for the 26th draft slot.[16]

Ward made his professional debut with the Rookie Advanced-level Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League, going 0-for-4 against the Ogden Raptors in his first game on June 18, 2015. He recorded his first professional hit on June 23, a single off Grand Junction Rockies pitcher Chad Zurat. Ward was selected as a Pioneer League All-Star, scoring a run during the exhibition on August 4.[17] In 32 games with Orem, Ward batted .349 with two home runs, 19 RBIs, a .489 on-base percentage (OBP), and .459 slugging percentage (SLG). On August 6, he was promoted to the Single-A Burlington Bees of the Midwest League.[18][19] Between the two teams, he batted .348 with three home runs and 31 RBIs in 56 games.[6]

In 2016, Ward was a non-roster invitee to Angels spring training for the first time. Prior to the start of the season, he was promoted to the Class A-Advanced Inland Empire 66ers of the California League. He spent the entire year with Inland Empire, batting .249 with ten home runs and 56 RBIs in 123 games. Following the season, Ward played for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League (AFL). He was selected as an AFL All-Star and finished batting .283 with nine RBIs in 16 games.[20][6][19] MiLB.com named Ward an Angels Organization All-Star for 2016.[21]

In 2017, Ward returned to Inland Empire to begin the season. On April 5, he was placed on the 7-day disabled list but did not return until May 3. In 54 games with the 66ers, Ward batted .242 with six home runs and 30 RBIs. On July 20, he was promoted to the Double-A Mobile BayBears of the Southern League, remaining with the team for the rest of the season. In 87 games between both teams, Ward batted .258 with nine home runs and 49 RBIs.[6] MiLB.com named him an Angels Organization All-Star for the second straight season.[22]

Prior to the 2018 season, the Angels converted Ward from catcher to a third baseman.[23] He started the year by returning to Mobile, where he made his professional debut at third base on April 5. Ward was named a Southern League mid-season All-Star. In 42 games with Mobile, Ward batted .345 with six home runs and 25 RBIs. On June 2, Ward was promoted to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees of the Pacific Coast League. In 60 games with Salt Lake, he batted .352 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs. Following the season, Ward was named an Angels Organization All-Star by MiLB.com[19]

Major leagues

[edit]

2018–2020: Inconsistent playing time

[edit]

Ward was called up to the majors for the first time on August 14, 2018, and made his MLB debut that day against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.[24][25] In his first plate appearance, Ward hit an RBI double off Brett Kennedy. He finished his debut at 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. Ward hit his first major league home run on August 18, a solo shot off Eddie Butler. He finished his abrupt first season hitting .178 with six home runs and 15 RBIs in 40 games.[26]

In 2019, Ward was intermittently sent between Triple-A and the major leagues, including five options to Salt Lake before August. He received minimal playing time at third base as the Angels opted to give Zack Cozart, David Fletcher, and Matt Thaiss a majority of time at the position. During a minor league stint in May, Ward was converted to play left fielder. In September, the Angels gave him his longest stint of the year with the major league club to replace an injured Justin Upton in left field.[27] Ward batted .306 with 27 home runs and 71 RBIs in 106 games with Salt Lake and .292 with a home run and two RBIs in 20 games with the Angels.[6][19]

Ward began the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season with the major league club, switching between left field and right field to flank Mike Trout. On August 18, the Angels optioned Ward to the alternate training site being used in lieu of the cancelled minor league season. He was recalled to the major leagues on September 3 to finish out the season with the Angels. In 34 games, Ward hit .277 with five RBIs.[26][19]

2021–2022: Emergence in the outfield

[edit]

In 2021, Ward joined the major league club in May as a right fielder. He was batting .215 with four home runs through his first month, but his batting average improved as the season progressed. On June 17, Ward hit his first career grand slam, coming off Kyle Funkhouser in the 7th inning of a 7–5 win over the Detroit Tigers. On July 22, Ward was optioned to Salt Lake. He was placed on the 7-day injured list on July 30 and began a rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League Angels on September 16. Ward was recalled to the major leagues on September 29 but returned to the injured list on October 3 for a right adductor strain. Ward finished 2021 hitting .250 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs in 65 games.[26][19]

Ward, with his back turned to the camera, throwing a ball toward the infield with his right arm.
Ward playing in left field

Ward began the 2022 season on the 10-day injured list with a groin strain he endured during a spring training game.[28] He made his season debut on April 16, going 2-for-3 with a solo home run against the Texas Rangers.[29] On April 25, Ward hit two home runs and provided all the offense in his first multi-homer game, a 3–0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians.[30] On April 27, later in the same series against Cleveland, Ward went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, his second career grand slam, and a triple, falling a single shy from hitting for the cycle in the 9–5 victory.[31] Ward was named the American League Player of the Week for April 25 – May 1, a span where he batted .448 with a .484 on-base percentage, a 1.000 slugging percentage, 10 runs scored, and 11 RBIs.[32] On May 14, Ward hit a grand slam in a 9–1 win over the Oakland Athletics.[33] On May 20, Ward exited a game against the Athletics after colliding with the right field wall and was considered day-to-day.[34] Ward suffered a hamstring injury in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 3 and was placed on the injured list on June 5.[35] He returned to the Angels' lineup on June 14.[36] Midway through the season, it was discovered that Ward's bat speed had dropped by about 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h) since his wall collision in May.[37] Between the collision and the end of July, Ward batted .217 with a .610 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS), a decrease from his pre-injury numbers. On August 13, Ward hit a walk-off two-run home run in the 11th inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins, his second career walk-off homer, to win 5–3.[38][39] In late August, Ward did not make the Angels' trip for a series against the Toronto Blue Jays because of a Canadian travel ban against foreign nationals who had not received a COVID-19 vaccine.[40] Ward finished the 2022 season batting .281 with 23 home runs and 65 RBIs in 135 games.[26] His .281 batting average and .360 OBP was the highest among qualified Angels batters, and his 3.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) was third-most on the team.[41]

2023–present: Everyday left fielder

[edit]

On January 13, 2023, Ward signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Angels, avoiding salary arbitration.[42] Prior to the start of the 2023 season, it was announced that Ward would be moved from right field to left field to account for the team's trade acquisition of Hunter Renfroe.[43] During a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 28, Ward took a pitch to the head, suffering multiple facial fractures. He was placed on the 60-day injured list the following day, ending his season. In 97 games, he batted .253 with 14 home runs and 47 RBI.[44][45] In early August, Ward had three plates inserted in his face and a nasal reconstruction surgery due to the injuries.[46]

By spring training ahead of the 2024 season, Ward had fully recovered from his injury and began playing again, using an extended flap on his batting helmet to protect his face.[46] Following the departure of Shohei Ohtani in free agency and injuries to Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, Ward became one of the top run-producers in the Angels lineup. Through late May, he drove in a team-best 32 runs but told The Orange County Register that he likes having other batters ahead of him in the lineup to "take the microscope off" him.[47] On May 28, Ward hit a go-ahead two-run double off of New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes in the 8th inning to lead the Angels to a comeback victory.[48] On June 21, Ward hit a game-winning RBI single in the top of the 10th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.[49] On June 30, Detroit Tigers pitcher Shelby Miller hit Ward in the helmet with a fastball at 93 miles per hour (150 km/h). Ward remained on the field after the incident but began slumping in the two weeks after, batting .140 with a .376 OPS in 47 plate appearances.[50] On July 28, Ward hit a go-ahead grand slam to complete a six-run comeback against the Athletics.[51] He finished the season batting .246 with 25 home runs and 75 RBI in 156 games.[26]

On May 12, 2025, Ward hit a go-ahead, ninth-inning grand slam off of San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez in a 9–5 Angels victory at Petco Park.[52] On May 22, he hit another go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in a 10–5 victory.[53] On May 24, he broke Darin Erstad's Angels franchise record with his 10th consecutive game recording an extra-base hit. On May 26, Ward was awarded the American League Player of the Week award for May 19–25, a span in which he batted .407 (11–27) with 9 runs, 3 home runs, 12 RBI, and an OPS of 1.382.[54]

Player profile

[edit]

As a prospect in 2018, MLB.com graded Ward on its 20–80 scale with a 50 for hitting, 40 for power, 40 for running, 65 for arm strength, 50 for fielding, and 50 overall. The report credited his "excellent plate discipline" and "very advanced approach" that generates walks and limits strikeouts. The report profiled Ward as a contact hitter but noted his uptick in home run power at the time.[55]

In 2017, former Houston Astros minor leaguer Trent Woodward began teaching Ward a system that uses a "range" of swing styles rather than just one style to enhance results. Fox Sports journalist Pedro Moura wrote that the system emphasizes "holding the bat at a 90-degree angle to his spine and trying to match the angle of the incoming pitch with a slight uppercut in his swing". The two met once a month to train. In 2021, Angels manager Joe Maddon criticized the approach, suggesting that an overemphasis on contact angle was decreasing Ward's productivity. Ward later said that Maddon didn't know all the aspects of the system at the time.[56]

Personal life

[edit]

He and wife Taylor welcomed their first child, a daughter Cameryn Taylor Ward, on Nov. 21, 2022.[57]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Taylor Ward

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Taylor Ward (born Joseph Taylor Ward; December 14, 1993) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the of (MLB). Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, Ward bats and throws right-handed, and he made his MLB debut with the Angels on August 14, 2018. Drafted by the Angels in the first round (26th overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Fresno State University, he transitioned from to during his career and has since established himself as a key contributor in the Angels' lineup. Born in , Ward moved with his family to before relocating to the in , in 2009 due to his mother's job with the Wyndham Hotel chain. At Shadow Hills High School, he excelled as a , earning all-conference honors and hitting a notable grand slam in the playoffs; he was selected in the 31st round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the but opted to attend college instead. At Fresno State, Ward played three seasons, batting .320 as a sophomore and earning second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2014 before being named to the first team in 2015; he signed a $1.67 million bonus with the Angels upon being drafted. In his MLB career through the 2025 season, Ward has appeared in 704 games, compiling a .247 , 113 home runs, 345 runs batted in, and a .766 percentage. His breakout year came in , when he hit .281 with 23 home runs and a career-high 3.5 wins above replacement (WAR), earning Player of the Week honors on May 1. Ward repeated the Player of the Week award on May 25, 2025, during a season in which he hit 36 home runs and drove in 103 runs despite a .228 . Off the field, Ward welcomed his first child, daughter Cameryn, in recent years and resides in the Phoenix area.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Joseph Taylor Ward was born on December 14, 1993, in . Ward's family relocated during his early childhood to , where he was raised and considered his hometown. His parents are Joe Ward and Samantha Ward, and he has a younger brother named Wesley and a sister named Kyndell. The family later moved to the in prior to Ward's sophomore year of high school. From a young age, Ward developed a strong interest in , participating in youth leagues in , including playing for the Oviedo Mudcats in the 14U AAA division in 2008. He attended Shadow Hills High School in .

High school career

Ward attended Shadow Hills High School in , after his family relocated from , where he joined the team and primarily played as a . During his high school career, Ward earned two-time first-team all-De Anza League honors for his performance. In his senior year of , he was recognized as the De Anza League MVP and selected to the First-team All-CIF, highlighting his standout contributions as a leader on the team, including hitting a grand slam in the . That season, Ward helped guide the Shadow Hills Knights to an impressive 20-5 record, including notable performances such as a three-run in a league victory over . Statistically, he batted .426 with 5 s and 27 RBIs over 19 games tracked, demonstrating his power and run-production abilities at the plate. Following graduation, Ward committed to play at Fresno State University, becoming the first Shadow Hills athlete to receive a Division I scholarship. Ward was selected by the in the 31st round of the but chose not to sign and attended Fresno State instead.

College career

Ward played for the from 2013 to 2015, primarily as a after committing to the program out of Shadow Hills High School. As a in 2013, Ward appeared in 46 games, batting .196 with three home runs and 15 RBI while splitting time behind the plate and in the outfield. His limited role reflected an adjustment period, as he posted a .317 amid 26 strikeouts in 112 at-bats. Ward showed marked improvement in his sophomore year of 2014, starting regularly and hitting .320 with six home runs and 41 RBI over 57 games. He ranked among the team leaders in multiple offensive categories, including a .404 and 28 walks, while earning second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors for his defensive work, including throwing out base stealers at a strong clip. In , his junior season, Ward solidified his status as the Bulldogs' primary , batting .304 with seven home runs and 42 RBI in 59 games. He drew 35 walks for a .393 and was selected to the first-team All-Mountain West, recognizing his balanced contributions on both sides of the plate. Ward also advanced to semifinalist status for the Award, honoring top collegiate catchers, after being named to the preseason watch list. During Ward's three years, Fresno State posted overall records of 23–33 in 2013, 28–29 in 2014, and 31–28 in 2015, with Mountain West Conference marks of 14–16, 13–17, and 18–12, respectively, typically placing in the middle of the seven-team league without advancing to the NCAA Tournament. Pre-draft scouting reports praised Ward's defensive prowess, particularly his above-average arm strength and ability to control the running game—throwing out 13 of 23 attempted stealers in 2015—while noting his athleticism for a catcher and potential for offensive growth despite an average hit tool. MLB.com ranked him as the No. 99 overall prospect, viewing him as a "catch-and-throw" specialist with solid but not elite receiving skills, often projecting him as a mid-round selection. Baseball America similarly slotted him as a likely third- or fourth-rounder, highlighting his plus arm but areas for refinement in game calling and power development.

Professional career

2015 MLB draft and minor leagues

Ward was selected by the Los Angeles Angels with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft out of Fresno State University, where he had excelled as a catcher. The Angels signed him to a professional contract on June 12, 2015, for a signing bonus of $1.67 million, which was approximately $364,500 below the slot value for his draft position. Following the signing, Ward made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League, where he batted .349 with two home runs over 32 games. He was promoted midseason to the Low-A Burlington Bees of the Midwest League, posting a .348 batting average with one home run in 24 games, combining for a .348 average across both stops in his first professional year. In 2016, Ward advanced to the High-A Inland Empire 66ers of the California League, where he primarily played catcher and appeared in 123 games, batting .249 with 10 home runs and demonstrating emerging power potential at the plate. His season highlighted a focus on developing offensive consistency behind the dish, though he committed only five errors in 90 starts, reflecting solid defensive skills. No significant injuries interrupted his progress that year, allowing him to log substantial playing time as the Angels emphasized his growth as a backstop with improved power hitting. Ward returned to to open the 2017 season, batting .242 with six home runs in 54 games while continuing to refine his catching abilities. On June 2, he earned a promotion to the Double-A Mobile BayBears of the Southern League, where he hit .286 with three home runs in 33 games, marking his first exposure to higher-level pitching. Throughout the progression, Ward's development centered on enhancing his power output—evident in his career-high 10 home runs the prior year—while maintaining his primary role as a , with no major injuries reported during this period.

2018–2020: MLB debut and limited opportunities

Taylor Ward made his debut on August 14, 2018, with the , facing the San Diego Padres at . In his first , he recorded an RBI double off pitcher , finishing the game 2-for-3 with a walk and contributing to a 7-2 Angels victory. Ward appeared in 40 games during the 2018 season, primarily at third base, where he batted .178 with 24 hits, six home runs, and 15 RBIs. His performance reflected the challenges of adapting to major league pitching, as he struck out 37 times in 135 at-bats while posting a .505 . The Angels had selected his contract from Triple-A on the day of his debut, marking his initial call-up after a strong campaign. In 2019, Ward's opportunities remained limited, as he played just 20 games for the Angels, hitting .190 with one and two RBIs. He split time between third base and left field, part of an ongoing transition to increase his positional versatility amid a crowded Angels infield. Ward was optioned to Triple-A multiple times, including in late March after , early April, and early June, spending the majority of the season in the minors to further develop his outfield skills and plate discipline. These shuttle assignments between levels contributed to his inconsistent major league exposure. The 2020 season, shortened to 60 games due to the , saw Ward receive more consistent playing time, appearing in 34 contests while primarily patrolling corners and occasionally first base. He improved offensively, batting .277 with 26 hits, no home runs, and five RBIs in 94 at-bats, though his role was still affected by brief optioning to the Angels' alternate site in . The pandemic's disruptions, combined with ongoing adjustments to major league competition and positional shifts, underscored the hurdles in establishing a steady big-league presence during his .

2021–2022: Breakout and emergence

In 2021, Taylor Ward transitioned to a more prominent role in the ' , appearing in 65 games with a .250 , eight home runs, and 33 RBI while logging 64 starts across all three positions. This marked a step up from his limited major league opportunities in prior seasons, where injuries and roster constraints had restricted him to just 52 games total from 2018 to 2020. Ward's increased playing time highlighted his versatility, with starts primarily in right field (51) but also in left (18) and center (12), contributing to the Angels' offense during a season impacted by the lingering effects of the . Ward experienced a true breakout in 2022, establishing himself as the Angels' primary with 135 games played, a , 23 home runs, and 65 RBI, while posting a .833 and leading the team in batting average among qualified hitters. He logged 132 starts, predominantly in right field (125), with occasional shifts to (7) and left (2), solidifying his defensive presence in the corner . Key milestones included his first career multi-home run game on April 25 against the , where he hit two homers in a 12-11 , and a second such performance on at the ; these efforts, along with two grand slams, boosted the Angels' lineup during a competitive AL West campaign. Ward's contributions extended to drawing 60 walks in 564 plate appearances, helping drive the team's offensive production. This emergence stemmed from notable adjustments in Ward's approach at the plate, including improved plate discipline that saw his walk rate rise to 11.2%—a career high—and a reduced chase rate on pitches outside the zone, allowing him to capitalize on better pitch selection. These changes, combined with enhanced power development evident in his jumping from .460 in to .518 in , transformed him from a fringe contributor to a reliable everyday player. updates praised his athleticism and arm strength in right field, while his offensive growth earned recognition as one of MLB's top emerging stars, including American League Player of the Week honors on May 1 for a hot streak with five home runs and a .500 over seven games. Additionally, Ward finished as a finalist for the in the outfield, underscoring his breakout impact.

2023–2025: Full-time role and recent performance

In 2023, Ward transitioned to a full-time role in left field for the , appearing in 93 games at the position while also serving as a in select outings. He posted a with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs across 97 total games, demonstrating improved plate discipline with a career-best 10.4% walk rate before his season was cut short. On July 29, against the Toronto Blue Jays, Ward suffered multiple facial fractures after being struck in the head by a 91 mph pitch from , leading to his placement on the 10-day and eventual season-ending surgery that caused him to miss the final 57 games of the year. Ward rebounded in to establish himself as an everyday player, logging a career-high 156 games primarily in left field (141 appearances) and contributing as the (15 games). His offensive output included a .246 , 25 home runs, and 75 RBIs, marking personal bests in power production and marking a shift toward consistent run production in the middle of the Angels' lineup. Defensively, Ward adapted well to left field, posting above- range metrics with 2 Outs Above Average according to , which helped stabilize the outfield amid team injuries. This full-season workload solidified his role following his 2022 breakout, where he first emerged as a key contributor. Entering 2025, Ward continued as the Angels' primary left fielder, playing 153 games there en route to 157 total appearances and delivering what has been described as a career-year performance through . He slashed .228/.318/.474 with 36 home runs and 103 RBIs, setting new personal highs in power (eighth in MLB) and driving in runs (11th in the AL) while maintaining offensive consistency with a .792 . Notable highlights included earning Player of the Week honors for the week of May 19–25, during which he hit .500 with three home runs and 12 RBIs, and hitting two grand slams in May—one on for a game-winning hit in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres, and another go-ahead slam on May 22 versus the . Ward's defensive evolution in left field showed further improvement, with 3 and positive arm strength metrics contributing to the Angels' outfield stability, though the team did not pursue any trade involving him amid speculation.

Personal life and player profile

Personal life

Ward is married to Taylor Ward, with whom he shares the uncommon distinction of having identical first and last names. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Cameryn Taylor Ward, on November 21, 2022. In August 2024, Ward was placed on the paternity list by the Angels, indicating the birth of their second child around that time. The family resides in the Phoenix area, as of 2023, where Ward maintains close ties to the region from his high school years. Ward has participated in Baseball Foundation events, supporting community initiatives through team efforts.

Playing style

Taylor Ward stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds, batting and throwing right-handed. In a 2018 scouting report, MLB.com assigned Ward grades on the 20-80 scale of 50 for hit, 40 for power, 40 for run, 65 for arm, 50 for field, and 50 overall, highlighting his potential as a solid-average contributor with above-average arm strength. Ward employs a batting approach centered on adjusting his swing plane to match incoming pitch angles, enabling consistent line drives and occasional power production through an elevated bat path that promotes lift without excessive uppercut. This mechanic, refined through targeted adjustments in the minors, allows him to drive the ball to all fields, particularly opposite-field line drives when staying back on pitches. Defensively, Ward transitioned from —his primary position upon being drafted in 2015—to roles, including left field, where his strong arm has proven effective in preventing runners from advancing. This versatility extends to all three spots and third base, leveraging his athleticism for reliable range and accurate throws. Over his career, Ward has shown evolution in his hitting profile, with improvements in average launch angle and exit velocity reflecting mechanical tweaks that enhance hard contact rates and power output. These changes have contributed to increased production in recent seasons, underscoring his adaptation to modern analytics-driven hitting strategies.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/player/taylor-ward-621493
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wardta01.shtml
  3. https://www.palmspringslife.com/the-guide/sports/coachella-valleys-taylor-ward-is-an-angel-in-the-outfield/
  4. https://gobulldogs.com/sports/baseball/roster/taylor-ward/142
  5. https://www.desertsun.com/story/sports/baseball/2015/06/09/taylor-ward-selected-first-round-mlb-draft/28725455/
  6. https://www.usssa.com/baseball/PlayerLocker/?playerID=990048
  7. https://www.teamwass.com/speaker/taylor-ward/
  8. https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/195089950/
  9. https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/indio/shadow-hills-knights/athletes/taylor-ward/?careerid=lqmi6vc6ekfo8
  10. https://gobulldogs.com/sports/baseball/roster/2013
  11. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=ward--007jos
  12. https://gobulldogs.com/news/2015/5/14/ward_named_bench_award_semifinalist
  13. https://gobulldogs.com/news/2015/3/11/Ward_Named_to_Johnny_Bench_Award_Watch_List
  14. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/California_State_University%2C_Fresno
  15. https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-draft-fresno-state-catcher-taylor-ward/c-129413706
  16. https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-an-angels-use-top-pick-premium-defensive-catcher-taylor-ward-fresno-state-20150608-story.html
  17. https://www.milb.com/news/los-angeles-angels-taylor-ward-riding-big-bat-to-breakout-season-287517512
  18. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/2384-taylor-ward/
  19. https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-first-round-pick-ward-strike-deal/c-130226258
  20. https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-an-first-round-pick-taylor-ward-agrees-terms-with-angels-20150612-story.html
  21. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/34923/taylor-ward
  22. https://www.mlb.com/angels/roster/transactions/2019/03
  23. https://www.ocregister.com/2022/06/20/taylor-ward-is-not-an-option-to-fill-angels-hole-at-third-base/
  24. https://sportsforecaster.com/mlb/p/81849/Taylor_Ward/transactions
  25. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/evaluating-early-season-plate-discipline-breakouts/
  26. https://www.ocregister.com/2022/05/19/angels-taylor-ward-is-an-overnight-sensation-4-years-in-the-making/
  27. https://www.si.com/mlb/angels/news/angels-news-mike-trout-wins-silver-slugger-award-taylor-ward-finishes-as-runner-up
  28. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38100790/angels-taylor-ward-suffered-facial-fractures-placed-il
  29. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/taylor-ward-621493
  30. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-taylor-ward-of-the-angels-named-american-league-player-of-the-week-presented-by-chevrolet-seiya-suzuki-of-the-cubs-named-national-league-player-of-the-week-presented-by-chevrolet
  31. https://www.mlb.com/news/taylor-ward-hits-game-winning-grand-slam-in-9th-inning-comeback
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP0HQCWljLc
  33. https://angelsmediaguide.com/files/basic-html/page206.html
  34. https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/2018/angels/taylor-ward-621493
  35. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/521601/2018/09/17/how-taylor-ward-in-his-quest-to-not-suck-turned-himself-into-a-big-leaguer/
  36. https://gvwire.com/2025/08/27/taylor-wards-home-run-surge-fueled-by-hard-work-fresno-state-roots/
  37. https://www.si.com/mlb/2022/06/14/taylor-ward-angels-the-opener
  38. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/taylor-wards-breakout-with-angels-steeped-in-science-of-hitting
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