MLB Insider Names Slugger As Possible Trade Fit for Guardians

It remains to be determined whether the Cleveland Guardians will be buyers, sellers, or somewhere in between as the MLB trade deadline quickly approaches.

If the Guardians do plan to upgrade their roster between now and the end of July, it's pretty clear where the front office should focus: the outfield.

Outside of Steven Kwan, Cleveland's outfield production has been lackluster at best.

Perhaps the inevitable call-ups of prospects Chase DeLauter and/or CJ Kayfus can help with that, but the Guardians should still be looking for a proven big-league bat to add to their lineup.

MLB insider Mark Feinsand recently identified Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward as a potential fit with the Guardians.

Ward would clearly be an upgrade for Cleveland's roster right now. He owns an OPS of .738 and has already hit 18 home runs this season.

However, there is still some risk involved with trading for Ward. He's seen an increase in power but also a slight uptick in his strikeout rate (27.1 percent).

His BABIP has also dropped to .222 in 2025, which is the lowest it's been since his rookie season in 2018.

Ward is hitting for power, but that's about it.