With the limited budget the Cincinnati Reds are working with this offseason, dealing from a strength — the starting pitching depth — to prop up the club's biggest weakness — pop in the outfield — seemed like the best course of action.
With that, there seemed to be a perfect target. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward is a hometown kid who just popped 36 dingers and is entering his final year of arbitration. The Reds and the Angels seemed to match up well for a deal, with Los Angeles desperate for competent starting pitching and the Reds having a surplus.