Taylor Ward is a name that has been making headlines in the baseball world recently. The 29-year-old player recently agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels to avoid arbitration.
This agreement came after Ward had a career year in 2022, where he achieved several personal bests in numerous categories. .
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at who Taylor Ward is, what happened during his 2022 season, how his contract negotiations with the Angels went, and what we can expect from him in the future.
Who is Taylor Ward?
Taylor Ward is a professional baseball player who was born on December 14, 1993, in Indio, California. Ward was a standout player in high school, and he continued his baseball career at Fresno State University.
After three seasons with the Bulldogs, Ward was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Angels in 2015.
Ward spent several years in the minor leagues, playing for various Angels-affiliated teams, before making his major league debut in 2018. Although he struggled during his first few seasons in the majors, Ward started to show signs of improvement in 2021, and he had a breakout year in 2022.
Ward’s Stats and Achievements
During his minor league career, Ward had a batting average of .288 with 25 home runs, 135 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 292 games. In his major league career, he has a batting average of .235 with 32 home runs, 105 RBI, and 7 stolen bases in 305 games.
Ward’s breakthrough season in 2022 saw him achieve career-high numbers in several categories, including a batting average of .281, 23 home runs, 65 RBI, 73 runs scored, and 5 stolen bases in 135 games played.
His offensive production was a key part of the Angels’ success that year, and he also made several impressive defensive plays in the outfield. Overall, Ward’s performance in 2022 suggests that he has the potential to become a star player in the league.
Taylor Ward’s 2022 Season
Taylor Ward’s 2022 season was a breakthrough year for the young outfielder. He played in 135 games for the Angels, accumulating 495 at-bats. Ward’s batting average was .281, and he hit 23 home runs, drove in 65 runs, scored 73 runs, and stole 5 bases.
These numbers were all career highs for Ward and were instrumental in the Angels’ success that year.
Ward’s Career-high Numbers in Various Categories
Ward’s .281 batting average was a significant improvement over his career average of .235. His 23 home runs were nearly double his previous career-high of 12, and his 65 RBI were a significant improvement over his previous high of 36.
Ward’s 73 runs scored were also a career-high and represented a significant contribution to the Angels’ offense. Finally, Ward’s 5 stolen bases were a welcome addition to the Angels’ speed on the basepaths.
Ward’s Impact on the Los Angeles Angels
Ward’s performance in 2022 was a significant factor in the Angels’ success that year. He provided consistent offensive production throughout the season, and his defensive play in the outfield was also impressive.
Ward’s breakout year was a key reason why the Angels were able to stay in contention for a playoff spot until the very end of the season. If he can maintain his level of play, Ward will undoubtedly continue to be a vital part of the Angels’ success in the future.
The Contract Negotiations
In Major League Baseball, arbitration is a process that occurs when a player and their team are unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. .
During arbitration, a third-party arbitrator hears arguments from both the player and the team and decides on a salary for the player based on various factors such as their previous performance and comparable salaries for players in similar positions.
Negotiations Between Ward and the Angels
In the case of Taylor Ward, he and the Los Angeles Angels were able to reach an agreement on a one-year, $2.75 million contract to avoid arbitration.
This agreement came after Ward’s breakout year in 2022, where he established himself as a key player on the Angels’ roster.
According to reports, the negotiations between Ward and the Angels were relatively straightforward, with both sides expressing a desire to avoid arbitration.
Ward’s agent reportedly began discussions with the Angels early in the offseason, and the two sides were able to come to an agreement shortly before the arbitration deadline.
Summary of the Final Agreement
The final agreement between Ward and the Angels was a one-year, $2.75 million contract. This was a significant increase over Ward’s previous salary, which was just over $600,000.
The contract will allow Ward to remain with the Angels for at least one more season, and it gives the team an opportunity to evaluate his performance further before committing to a long-term deal.
Overall, the agreement was a win-win for both parties, as it allows Ward to be compensated fairly for his excellent performance in 2022, while also giving the Angels a talented player at a reasonable cost.
What’s Next for Taylor Ward?
With his new contract in hand, Taylor Ward will remain with the Los Angeles Angels for at least one more season. However, beyond that, his future with the team is somewhat uncertain.
If Ward continues to perform at a high level, the Angels may look to sign him to a long-term deal. On the other hand, if his performance drops off, the team may decide to move in a different direction.
What Ward Needs to Do to Build on His 2022 Success?
To build on his success in 2022, Ward will need to continue to work on his game and refine his skills. He will need to maintain his offensive production while also improving his defense in the outfield.
Additionally, he may need to work on developing better plate discipline and reducing his strikeout rate. If Ward can make these improvements, he has the potential to become an elite player in the league.
Potential Impact of Ward’s Performance on the Angels’ Success in 2023
Assuming that Taylor Ward continues to perform at a high level, his contributions could be significant to the Angels’ success in 2023.
With his offensive production, Ward can help to take some of the pressure off the team’s other stars, such as Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.
Additionally, his defensive play in the outfield will be essential in preventing runs from scoring. Overall, if Ward can maintain his level of play, he will undoubtedly be a vital part of the Angels’ success in the upcoming season.
Taylor Ward’s key stats from the 2022 season to his career averages:
| Statistic | 2022 Season | Career Average |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .281 | .235 |
| Home Runs | 23 | 7 |
| RBI | 65 | 35 |
| Runs Scored | 73 | 31 |
| Stolen Bases | 5 | 0.02 |
| Games Played | 135 | 101 |
As the table shows, Taylor Ward’s 2022 season was a significant improvement over his career averages in several key categories. This breakout year is likely what led to his new contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Taylor Ward play?
Taylor Ward is an outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels.
How long has Taylor Ward been in the major leagues?
Ward made his major league debut in 2018, and he has been with the Angels ever since.
Has Taylor Ward won any awards or accolades?
As of the knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, Ward had not won any major awards or accolades.
What was Taylor Ward’s performance like in previous seasons?
In his first few seasons in the majors, Ward struggled to find his footing. However, he started to show signs of improvement in 2021, and he had a breakout year in 2022.
How does Taylor Ward’s contract compare to other players in the league?
Taylor Ward’s contract is relatively modest compared to some of the higher-paid players in the league. However, it is a significant increase over his previous salary and is a testament to his improving performance.
To Recap
Taylor Ward’s 2022 season was a breakout year for the young outfielder, and his performance earned him a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
With his new contract in hand, Ward will look to build on his success from last season and continue to improve his game.
If he can maintain his level of play, he has the potential to become an elite player in the league and a key contributor to the Angels’ success in the upcoming season.
Ultimately, Ward’s performance in 2022 and the subsequent contract negotiations demonstrate his value to the Angels, and his future with the team is undoubtedly bright.
