26-year-old pitcher is heading to the West Coast. The Central Heights native, who has been a key starter for the Baltimore Orioles over the past few seasons, has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels. An ESPN report released overnight confirmed that Rodriguez was exchanged straight up for Taylor Ward.
The deal addresses needs for both teams. Last season, both the Angels and Orioles finished at the bottom of their respective divisions. Baltimore aims to strengthen its lineup with a power-hitting outfielder, while Los Angeles is hoping Rodriguez can recover from injuries and contribute to their starting rotation.
The former Central Heights fireballer has shown dominance at the Major League level, but injuries have plagued the 26-year-old. Several seasons ago, a lat strain caused him to miss a couple of months; then, last year, Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season. He was sidelined in Spring Training, tending to an elbow injury. Surgery was later performed on his elbow to clear bone chips.
Rodriguez is expected to be healthy and ready to pitch again by Spring Training 2026. The Angels are hoping Grayson can be one of their top starting pitchers.
Good News For East Texas Fans
Rodriguez has been an Oriole since being a first-round draft choice in 2018, so adapting from Oriole orange to Angel red will take some getting used to. The good news for Grayson fans in East Texas is that the Angels are in the same division as the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. This will mean more opportunities to see him pitch closer to home when the Angels travel to Arlington and Houston.
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