Taylor Ward Trade Rumors: MLB insider suggests potential deal between Pirates and Angels for veteran outfielder

MLB insider Paul Zeise has reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels are in trade discussions surrounding veteran outfielder Taylor Ward. Ziese, who writes for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and hosts the radio show 93.7 FM The Fan, suggests that the Pirates are pushing to get a potential deal done sooner rather than later.

"Being told the Pirates are in on Taylor Ward from the Angels" - @PaulZeise

If Ziese's reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates are "trying to get it over the finish line," are correct, Taylor Ward could be a massive pickup for the club. Entering Wednesday's action, the Pirates sit third in the National League Central with a 44-47 record and are within striking distance of an NL Wild Card spot.

Ward would be an ideal target for the Pirates as they have received minimal production from their outfield core outside of Bryan Reynolds. The 30-year-old outfielder is in the final year of his current contract. However, he still has two more years of arbitration eligibility, so he would not be considered a rental option for Pittsburgh.

The veteran outfielder has been one of the few bright spots for a disappointing Los Angeles Angels squad this year. Through 88 games this season, Ward has posted a .238 batting average with 14 home runs, 44 RBIs, 43 runs scored, and a .737 OPS.

"Bring Taylor Ward to Pittsburgh pls" - @ROTYNick

Ward would be an instant upgrade over some of the team's current outfielders, including Michael A. Taylor and Jack Suwinski, who have struggled to produce much for the Pirates this season.

It remains to be seen what the cost would be to acquire Ward. However, he could be a perfect fit for the Pirates moving forward.

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Taylor Ward could be one of several Angels players who could be moved before the trade deadline

It's been a disappointing season for the Los Angeles Angels, to say the least. We are not yet at the All-Star break, but the team is already 12.0 games behind the Seattle Mariners for the division lead. Its 37-54 record leaves much to be desired and suggests that the club could look to move several veteran pieces before the trade deadline.

It remains to be seen which players the Los Angeles Angels will make available this summer. However, some of their veteran players with expiring contracts will likely be on the block. Brandon Drury, Kevin Pillar, Carlos Estevez, Luis Garcia, and Matt Moore are all unrestricted free agents at the end of the season and could draw interest from contenders. It could be a busy summer in Los Angeles.