The Kansas City Royals made a small move in the direction of being trade deadline buyers on Tuesday night.
Their 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers snapped a six-game losing streak that had dropped them below .500 for the first time since April. More significantly, the game demonstrated that when their offense is clicking, they’re capable of producing more than just a couple of runs per game.
The Royals’ lack of power at the plate has been a defining issue this season. Vinnie Pasquantino leads the team with just 10 home runs, and Kansas City is the only club in the league yet to reach the 50-homer mark. In contrast, 18 other teams have already surpassed 75.
Recently, a baseball insider connected the Royals to a possible trade target known for his power—an established slugger with 18 home runs this year.
On Wednesday, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand identified Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward as a top trade candidate for the summer and highlighted the Royals as one of the most likely landing spots for the 31-year-old.
“The Angels have been hesitant to trade Ward during the past two years, but with a $7.825 million salary and only one more year of club control, this might finally be the time to move him,” Feinsand wrote.
“The Angels have been hesitant to trade Ward during the past two years, but with a $7.825 million salary and only one more year of club control, this might finally be the time to move him,” Feinsand wrote.
“Ward is on pace to shatter his personal high in home runs (25 in 2024), belting 18 in his first 69 games this season. The 31-year-old has driven in 47 runs and has a .741 OPS, ranking in the 86th percentile in barrel percentage (14.1%) and the 87th percentile in chase percentage (21.1%). Potential fits: Guardians, Padres, Rays, Royals.”
Ward has had trouble reaching base this season compared to his typical performance. Over his eight-year career, he’s posted a .323 on-base percentage, but that number has dipped to .271 in 2025. Still, if he can rebound in that area, his power could position him for a career-best season by year’s end.
Though not the type of hitter who can carry a lineup on his own, Ward would be a strong complementary bat. With Bobby Witt Jr. anchoring the offense, Ward could be an ideal fit in the five or six spot—adding much-needed depth to Kansas City’s batting order.
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