Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Philadelphia Phillies are a trade fit for two Los Angeles Angels outfielders. Morosi reported that the Angels are open to trading at least one of Jo Adell and Taylor Ward this offseason. Adell is under team control through the 2027 season. To add, Adell is entering his age-27 season. Meanwhile, Ward is under team control through the 2026 season. Ward is entering his age-32 season. To add, Ward has been linked to the Phillies at each of the last few trade deadlines. The Phillies are expected to move on from Nick Castellanos and could use outfield help. Castellanos is owed $20 million for 2026, the last year of his contract. There is no reason for Castellanos to be on the 2026 Phillies.
Adell had a .236/.293/.485 line with a career high 37 home runs and a career high 98 RBI in 152 games this season. Furthermore, Adell recorded a career best 112 wRC+ and a .257 BABIP this year. Adell had a 0.22 BB/K rate. This was the second season in which Adell played more than 100 games, and he had a career year. Ward had a .228/.317/.475 line with 36 home runs and a career high 103 RBI in 157 games this season. To add, Ward had a 117 wRC+ and a .257 BABIP this year. Ward had a 0.43 BB/K rate. This was also a career year for Ward to some extent. The Angels tend to make trades during the early part of the offseason, and moving Adell or Ward could be no exception.
Phillies Fit For Outfielders
Trade Compensation Considerations
An Alec Bohm for Ward trade makes a lot of sense for the Angels and the Phillies. Both players are offseason trade candidates with a decent chance to be traded. Furthermore, Bohm and Ward are scheduled to be free agents after the 2026 season. They are also expected to receive similar arbitration salaries according to Spotrac projections. Ward is projected to get $11.20 million, while Bohm is projected to get $10.25 million. For comparison, Adell is projected to get $4.50 million. Given that Adell is younger and has an additional year of team control, the trade cost to acquire him will be higher than it would be for Ward. Prospect capital is likely required to make a trade for Adell’s work.
What It Would Mean Elsewhere
Harrison Bader is now a free agent after he declined his end of a mutual option. Max Kepler is not returning to the team next season. However, Justin Crawford is expected to take Kepler’s spot on the 26-man roster. With Castellanos not expected to be back next season, the Phillies could use outfield help. Adell has extensive experience in the right field and could take over there. Ward has primarily played left field, which could lead to Brandon Marsh shifting to right field. This scenario would have Crawford in center field. Adding both Adell and Ward is possible, but unlikely. That said, both players would improve the Phillies’ outfield as things currently stand. This would be a step toward reshaping the Phillies’ outfield, which is not the worst idea.
Main Photo Credits: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Image
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