Potential Pirates Trade Targets: Could Bucs Revisit Deadline Player of Interest?

This is one in a series of examining potential trade targets for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2024-25 offseason.

The Pittsburgh Pirates executed their first notable trade of the offseason, acquiring Spencer Horwitz from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for a trio of pitchers earlier in the week at the Winter Meetings.

While that trade filled the Pirates’ void at first base, could they look to make another trade to find an outfielder?

Two of the three outfield spots look secured for 2025. All-Star Bryan Reynolds will man a corner spot and Oneil Cruz will patrol center field after his sudden position change towards the end of last season.

But after non-tendering Bryan De La Cruz and Connor Joe, along with a dreadful season from Jack Suwinski, the Pirates are looking to further upgrade the lineup and find an everyday outfielder.

One name the Pirates were rumored to be interested in at the trade deadline before ultimately landing on De La Cruz was Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Ward finds himself as the subject of trade speculation once again this offseason.

The 30-year-old is coming off of a fine season in 2024 in which he finished with a .246/.323/.426 batting line with 26 doubles, two triples, 25 home runs and 75 RBIs in 156 games played. He set career-highs in doubles, homers, RBIs and games played.

Since the start of the 2021 season, despite several injuries, Ward has posted a healthy 116 OPS+, indicating he’s been a well-above average producer with the bat in his hands.

The native of Dayton, Ohio, is also a capable defender and possesses a strong arm. In 141 games as a left fielder in 2024, Ward recorded eight outfield assists and was responsible for three outs above average.

While most of Ward’s recent defensive reps have come in left field, he was an everyday right fielder in 2022, so he could conceivably play either corner spot for the Pirates.

Ward’s addition would give the Pirates yet another upgrade to the lineup and fill a major hole on the roster.

He’s arbitration-eligible this offseason and is projected to earn roughly $9 million in 2025. The Pirates would have control over him through the end of the 2026 season.